Letter from Sarah Forrer, Dayton, OH to Augusta Bruen, 1862-01-06
Dayton Jan. 6th 1862
Dear Augusta The Holidays are over and we are pretty quiet again. All passed off well, and I have time to think again and the subjects for contemplation are not the most soothing possible. I do fear a war with England. And feel all the time as if we ought hurry and conquer the south, and be ready for her. It is too good an opportunity for her to neglect. She sees us divided. Now is her time. I hope something will prevent her. Judge Holts family took tea with us last week. In a day or two afterwards Mart came to tell me of her letter. She seemed much gratified with it. She had given me the particular information thee spoke of. She says Belle is cheerful, and says She can "stand anything but a boy, but she does not think she can stand that". Thy Sugar coffee Tea and candles, are just as thee left them. Does thee wish them sent to you? We get very good butter here for 18 cts Father says it will cost you 20 cts delivered. Our butter is very sweet when we get it, but it does not keep so more than a week. What is the reason I cannot tell, but, I thought you should know it. I would be afraid of so much as 50. It may be, if it was worked and put under brine, it would keep sweet, but I cannot tell. We will do for you what you request. I told thee in my last, that the fashion book came all right, I suppose at thy suggestion. It is very pleasant to hear so fully of the dear children, and of you all. I almost think I have been with you after reading one of thy letters. I am glad Sella takes an interest in her book and work. I thought she would and so will dear little Frank soon. Kiss them all for me. Howard had a very pressing invitation from Alfred Kelly to spend the Holy days with him. He has returned, having had a very pleasant visit. Aunt Caroline and Virginia are well. Mr Woodberry has left for Minnesota. His health is so poor that she told Howard he never expected him to return. That he had failed very fast of late.
Mary is in her usual health, which is not so good as I wish it was, but she will write soon and say all about herself. Davis told Father there were some cedar posts at his shop of Luther's, and he feared they might be stolen. He ordered him to send them to your house. He has not done it yet. We will see that it is done. The fence between you and De Graff is almost down, that is the part from the house to the street. The rest, from the house to the wood house is better. I think as you have some posts, perhaps it would be well to put up a new fence, where it is worst, that is from the house to the street and bound your side. Father spoke to De Graff, to join you and put up the whole but he said he had no money. And that he bought all in side of his fence. And does not think any one can take it from him. This was all said pleasantly but Father thinks he will not consent to your putting the fence in the right place. Luther might write to him. He is at home now I believe, and his wife says will remain here a week or two. Father will see to the building of the fence if you wish it done. And I fear, as I said before, the front part will soon fall. I can pay with the money I get from the first street House By the bye I have not received the last month rent yet.
Your mother having suggested the idea of a fence I will add by saying to *Mr.* Bruen that if he wishes to have the fence made I will attend to it: but first I desire to know how many feet of ground is due in front De Graff will object to moving the fence northward - we shall be glad hear from you on this matter soon although there is no real necessity for receiving the fence until March or April _ Love to all -
Your Father
Samuel Forrer
As Father says there is no immediate necessity But the fence may blow down any night. And I thought you had better have the thing under consideration. I have not given the message to him, but will. John has had a letter from Mary in which she says that Edward insists on going in the army.
Remember Me, and us all, to Luther and the children and believe me as ever thine
Mother
Augusta A. Bruen Care of Major L.B. Bruen
Fort Hamilton New York Harbor N.Y.
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January 6, 1862
Forrer, Sarah Hastings Howard
Dayton, OH
4 pages; note from Samuel Forrer added at end
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865
Forrer, Sarah Hastings Howard -- Correspondence
Catharine Mitchill '31 Collection of Family Letters, Wellesley College Library, Special Collections
MSS.6.349
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http://repository.wellesley.edu/mitchill/349
