Letter from Sarah Forrer, Dayton, OH to Augusta Bruen, 1862-04-06
Dayton April 6th /62
My dear Augusta Thine of Match 30th is received, Sorry to hear about thy eyes. Do not overtask them. Try to take the work easier than I have. I think, now, that I am myself going on more quietly, and patiently, I think though, we people do not preserve it. They do not seem to.
I began to fear the girl was not doing well, as thee could not leave the children. As to Betty she says she intends to stay with me, and seems to feel badly when anything is said about leaving. But after seeing her friends she may change her mind. She cannot get through with much work, I am obliged *to* hire the washing, and we have very little done, and Mary and I do much of what is done. She has made small progress in her studies, and I sometimes think I will offer to keep her a year, let her attend school and work nights and morning for her board. In this way she would improve and I and I could do without hiring a new girl which thee knows is so vexatious. If she does not stay with me I have sometimes thought she might with thee, But I do not think she would be able to do what is necessary for you to have done. And I fear she would not be patient with the children. I am sure she loves them, but thee will remember she used to give us some trouble in that way when you were here. She cannot accomplish half so much as a girl of her age should, And if I were able to spare the money, I would not require her to do half what she does. Little as it is. Indeed if a good girl was to offer I do not feel able to hire. Betty's time is up about the middle of May, or perhaps the *tenth*
As to Mary's visit, I would say yes without any hesitation, but for a few reasons. One is the scarcity of funds of course. Then the school closes sometime in June, so she would have but little opportunity to study, for it does not open till Oct. I know it would be very improving for her to visit the studios and see all the fine works to be seen there and I would send her next week, but for the many things to be done with us I have coming in. It will take all to pay what is due on the new place. When Mary was in so much trouble about her son I, without thinking how little there would be to spare, told her I would make her a visit, and take Mary with me. I would gladly give this up, if she would excuse me, but I cannot ask it knowing how anxious she is to see us. I know a visit to you would be much more improving, and she would enjoy it greatly. And I do not know how to say it cannot be. I have many thoughts about it, sometimes I think if Howard should go away, and Betty leave that Father and I might stay a few months with Lib and Mary stay a few with you, and we might try to get our home under way in the mean time. Then I reflect that that the money to build does not come in till next year and only in part then, so that plan falls through. Then another takes its place just as impossible to accomplish, and I sit down helplessly, and see there is nothing to be done but wait with what patience I can command. And as waiting patiently is not my "fort" I find it hard to do. I hope you will understand that we all appreciate your kindness in offering a pleasant home to Mary while she should attend at the Institute. She would gladly accept your invitation without the advantages of the school, even if she could, she wishes to see you all.
Thee said thee could not answer any questions in thy last. Before thee answers, look at the old letter, that thee may not forget any. And remember do not sacrifice any of your things for want of a place to store them. We have very little in our house and can keep anything for you as long as you wish. In the mean time, all is safe at the house. As to coming home and renting this Cabin, Come I will find a place for you. I have heard nothing further about any sale of your Ludlow house, The other is sold I suppose you know by this time. Love and kisses to the dear Children And Remember We all send love to all Mother #Dear Augusta I am very much obliged to both you and Luther for the kind invitation. It would be a very delightful visit for me and I know I should enjoy being with you all very much if I only could feel I could afford it. Kiss all for me.
Mary.#
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April 6, 1862
Forrer, Sarah Hastings Howard
Dayton, OH
4 pages; note from Mary 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.6.359
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http://repository.wellesley.edu/mitchill/359
