Letter from Mary Forrer, Dayton, OH to Augusta Bruen, 1862-02-19
[Pictures &c] Dayton Feb 19th 1862
Dear Augusta,
I have just received your last letter this evening, containing the long looked for pictures. We all, that is Mother Howard Bettie and I, (the rest having seen them) think them very good. I don't see what fault you can find with yours, and I think "Dear Little Wobbie" adds greatly to the picture.
Nothing could be better than Sella's and Frank's, the latter named gentleman, has grown so fleshy that I hardly thought it could be the same poor little Frank that left home last September.
We like Uncle John's picture, but do not think it equal to yours, at least the card he gave us was rather indistinct about the hands.
Mr. *Cridland* has made several attempts to take a good picture of Howard, but so far has failed. He expects to make some changes, in the light in his room, and then Howard will try again. *Sec Bohn* took Uncle John's.
Your letter and pictures have almost made me forget our good news. Yesterday morning, Father went to Columbus; about an hour after he had started a dispatch from Mr. Torrence arrived saying that Father was re-elected the day before and desiring him to come up immediately.
I believe our friends felt but little doubt as to his re-election, but we at home, and I think Father too felt somewhat anxious on the subject. They are talking about cutting $200 off of the salary, thereby making it 1,000. Retrenchment seems to be the order of the day, so we must not complain and besides $1,000 is better than none.
We have been in a great state of excitement ever since the fighting began at Fort Donelson. We received news generally twice a day. Howard remained sometimes at the Telegraph Office until 12 o'clock at night. Sunday night after church he ran off to the Office leaving me to go home with Willie (I think he forgot he had a sister there). In a few minutes he returned with the news that the "Fort is taken." Of course we were all excitement, and anxious to know what famous Generals we had captured. At 11 o'clock Howie returned to the office, and remained there until midnight. When he returned home he said it was only the upper redoubt that had been taken, and I saw by his tone that much fear was felt for the result. But Monday noon all came right. Such hurrahs and confusion we have not heard in Dayton for many a day. Every person looked beaming. In Cincinnati, the Commercial says, the day was one of the gloomiest of the season, but that the streets really seemed illuminated by the bright, beaming countenances that met you at ever turn. So it was in Dayton, dark, drizzling, and muddy, but no one minded that, all were rejoicing. We felt indignant at the loss of Floyd, also at not taking S.A. Johnson instead of Bushrod Johnson,
We are to have the prisoners, at least a portion of them, sent to Cincinnati, Columbus, and I heard this evening of a hundred being expected here. Some patriotic gentlemen have offered to have them taken care of in their own families. Rather a foolish proceeding, I think, as they would be far more comfortable in a hospital with nurses provided for them, than in private houses.
It was Mrs. B's fault that you didnot receive your package. I do not know whether Mr. B. knew that there was one to be sent. His wife did, I am sure. I will see John Darst in the morning, and try and send it by him, if he has not already left.
You spoke about buying some curls the other day. Did you see any handsome braids that would suit my hair? I wish when it is convenient you would price them, and let me know what a good sized one would cost. You know I have a small one. I would like one large and long enough to make a handsome knot such as is worn now. Do not trouble yourself to go when it is inconvenient, but just tend to it when you have some errands of your own to take you out.
Howard has gone this evening to the concert given by High School scholars. This is the third evening, and is for the benefit of the wounded at Fort Donelson. The proceeds of the other two evenings are to be used for the purchase of Chemical Apparatus for the School.
The Cantata is called Queen Esther, I believe Mr. Steele said he didn't see much difference between it and other theatres. I don't what he knows about other theatres. I expect he has read about them. Dr. Thomas and Mr. Spees were both there. (I think Dr. T. was) Mr. S. was highly delighted. Ellen James was Queen Esther and Lida Howard First Maid of Honor. She looked very pretty and sang very well. Wore a buff moire antique skirt (Mrs. DeGraff's) and black velvet bodice, white veil and crown, and Diamonds (also Mrs. DeG.'s). Uncle J. was very proud of her and had a right to be for she appeared well and sang sweetly.
Lib and family spent the day here yesterday. She and the children are pretty well; Elliott is a fine boy. Lib intended to write to you Sunday but was prevented by company coming out. Joe Crane I believe, was there; he and the Brig. left last Monday night.
Fielding and Lizzie reached home last week. Lizzie is tired and sick of living at Point Pleasant. I believe she was absent a month. Nothing but Salt Pork, hard bread and crackers, sometimes a few Oysters to eat Drefful times generally.
Mother sent yesterdays Com. to Luther.
Mart was here yesterday. She wrote to you Saturday. She wants one of your Photographs.
Uncle J. seemed much pleased at Robbie's recognition of his picture.
Well I believe I have told you all the news, so I will stop and let Mother finish the sheet.
Kiss Sella, Franky and Robbie and tell them I think from the way their pictures look, that they must be pretty good children. Tell them to be careful about making faces this freezing weather as it is dangerous.
I envied Luther his visit to the Artists. It was a very interesting account that he wrote. Do try and go there, and don't fail to visit the Picture Gallerie before you come home.
Give much love to Luther.
Good night, dear Gus.
Many thanks from all for the pictures.
Now really and truly Good night
Your sister
Mary
Dear Augusta Mary says her eyes have given out, so I will just say how glad I am to see you all tonight, and it seems almost like seeing you. Little Frank is so fleshy. I was astonished. He must be doing well and with care will outgrow the effects of disease. If you gain nothing else by the change you may be satisfied with that. I looked all last week for the most interesting paper, and by being too particular, let the week slip bye without sending any, today I have sent one which is full of interest. Tell me if you are not satisfied with my sendings. Your tenant paid up the other day in full. He was three months behind. The Jew says nothing more yet. General Mc. Cook was here and spent the evening with Kate while all the rest were at a concert. He was telegraphed by Gen. Buel to return immediately. Whether they came to any decision, and what it was, if they did, we do not know. I know Mr. P. is devoted to him. And *Lowe* is too. They sustain him against Schenck, and *Lowe* told them they should not speak against him in his presence. *H.* was reported, and even C.W. Davies believed that they were to be married the evening he came, but they were not. We have never mentioned the subject to the family and do not know how Kate feels about it. -- The Brig. says Floyd was not at Fort Donelson for some of his men say he is fortifying on New *river*!!!! Perhaps he will take him yet. Mary says thee looks as if thee was going to say something savvy to Luther. Savvy herself, is she not?
Love to all from Mother
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February 19, 1862
Forrer, Mary
Dayton, OH
8 pages; note from Sarah Forrer added at end
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865
Forrer, Mary -- Correspondence
Catharine Mitchill '31 Collection of Family Letters, Wellesley College Library, Special Collections
MSS.6.334
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http://repository.wellesley.edu/mitchill/334
