Letter from Luther Bruen, Nokesville, VA to Augusta Bruen, 1864-02-08
Nokesville Va Feby 8th 1864 My Dear Wife: The letter you commenced on the 1st came to hand last night, reaching me in pretty good time. Our letters are now sent to us on the same day they come down from Washington; and as I mail my letter so that they must generally reach Washington in time to leave in the evening mail, I hope you get mine more promptly. The monotony of camp life gives an additional relish to a letter, which you, occupied with your many duties, can hardly understand. I could devote a large portion of my time to reading yours, if you should send them. So don't be afraid of writing too many or too long ones. I wrote to John Howard by yesterday's mail in reference to the 7.30 notes. Nothing need be done about them at present. The 5.20's were are all taken so soon that the arrangement I proposed could not be made. I think I will have no difficulty in making an arrangement just as satisfactory when the 7.30s become due, provided I am not obliged to sell them before. Poor Stacey has lost his father. He has been in infirm health for some time. I had only returned from leave the day before the telegram arrived announcing the sad event. He feels the loss very keenly. I have not seen him since his return *?* this evening. He inquired very kindly about you. He is desperately in love with Miss C. and before he left spent a large part of his time in writing to her. I think he sent a letter away every day. Perhaps he spent so much of his time at F.H. during his absence that he feels the loss of his father more on that account. On Saturday we had some excitement - all we have had since I wrote last. Soon after breakfast we began to hear artillery firing, but it was so distant that it was *insufficient* to tell where it was. We settled down on the conviction at last that it was at the front, and wondered which way up in that direction. Towards dark the firing grew very rapid and continual until it was quite dark. It turns out now that our division was sent across the Rapidann, *very much* by the Rebs, driven back and very nearly gobbled. We were obliged to leave our dead and wounded in the hands of the enemy, - loss about 240. Gen Kilpatrick commanded the cavalry - he is a gasbag + humbug. He is exactly such a looking man as Charles Eaken - the resemblance is remarkable, only he has such a crooked nose. I never saw him *muted* I was in Washington the last time. He has not a very high standing among the officers whom I have heard speak of him. - I send within a letter to Rob. and a new novel which I hope you will enjoy as much as I did. Good by dearest Thine L.
Please fill out
this form to alert us to any suspected errors in our transcriptions. We value your input.
February 8, 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.6.274
This image is provided for educational purposes only, and may be protected by copyright. The permission of the copyright holder is required for the reuse of this image.
http://repository.wellesley.edu/mitchill/274
