Letter from Luther Bruen, Nokesville, VA to Augusta Bruen, 1864-01-30
Nokesville Va. January 30th 1864 My Dear Wife: Your letter of Sunday last reached me on Friday night, and right glad I was to hear from you once more, altho' so much of its contents were saddening. Poor *Perrine*! "Was He Successful?" Whether he was in any high sense, or not, perhaps he has done the best he could, and accomplished what will be best understood and most useful to the family he has left behind. This is perhaps a more desirable success than such as attract much more attention from cultivated people. Our beautiful weather has gone. Last night it rained slightly, to-day it has been smoky with a drizzly rain and to-night is raining quite briskly, so I apprehend we shall soon have the reign of mud. Guerrillas are quite plenty along my line. Our pickets are frequently shot at, but so far I have had no difficulty at my head quarters. A night or two since I rec'd a notification that the Rebel Cavalry were at Hartwood Church and made my *instructions/objection* to give them a warm reception should they attack my camp. They have not made their appearance yet and I do not think they will. I am not certain that they have been over in any force, altho' the news came to me from the Head Quarters of the Army. We are vigilant and take every precaution against being surprised. The most of the people immediately around here are emigrants from New Jersey and profess to be loyal. A young woman came to my office with a young man whose mother had got a safe-guard the other day. Her name was Rube, and she wanted a safe-guard too. It came out in conversation that every body in the room had been born in New Jersey, me (my father was) except the Surgeon, who is a Virginian from Culpepper, but who had married a New Jersey girl and whose children had been born in that state! There was a large Jersey settlement close by here, but most of the people have been driven away by the war. They were invited here I fancy by the cheapness of the land, but they have found it dear enough by this time. They have lost much in every thing but negroes, having none, they have lost none, tho' I suspect they are not at all anti-slavery in their views. Since my visit home I have thought more about the education of our little ones than I had for some time, and wish it was in my power to be with you to oversee it. As they appear impossible at present, I shall have to content myself by doing what I can when away from you. I do not know whether I shall be able to help you any, but I shall try. Sella has grown so and improved so much that I have thought I might help you some by writing letters to her. I shall commence doing so as soon as I can. Frank at present needs physical education more than anything else, but it has occurred to me that he might be improved by seeing more people. Suppose you try taking him out with you whenever possible. He needs confidence when talking to grown folks, tho' he apparently has enough when talking to Sella and Rob. Going about with you too would probably cure him of some of his unpleasant ways. Suppose you make the appointment. #We have very little to break the monotony of camp life and consequently very little to write about. Love to all. Thine, L.B.B.#
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January 30, 1864
Bruen, Luther Barnett
Nokesville, VA
4 pages
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865
Bruen, Luther Barnett -- Correspondence
Catharine Mitchill '31 Collection of Family Letters, Wellesley College Library, Special Collections
MSS.6.271
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http://repository.wellesley.edu/mitchill/271
