Letter from Sarah Forrer, Dayton, OH to Augusta Bruen, 1862-06-01
[Howard Affleck's Death] Dayton June 1st 1862
Dear Augusta
I came home last Thursday, and found all well. Howard was quite ill in my absence, but was well when I came.
I had a very sad visit with Mary. everything else was pleasant, more so than most journeys are.
Poor Mary is quite crushed. The Dr. too is a true *ourner*. He was proud of Howard's mind. And Mary loved him tenderly and was proud of him too. I would have been glad to bring her home with me, but she could not think of it, for the present. I wrote to her yesterday, and sent the Sermon he mentioned. I hope me being with her was of some comfort. She said so, indeed, that she did not know how she would have got along if I had not been with her. Howard knew me when I arrived, but there was no conversation with him. He was not about to converse with anyone after the first evening, but grew weaker constantly till death. I am glad I went. Though it seemed to me that I was of very little use or comfort.
I tried to find thy last letter thinking there might be something to answer in it, but it is mislaid, and thee will have to ask again if there is anything thee wishes to know. Next thing to seeing thee and you all was seeing John and *Ely* and hearing what they had to tell of you. I grieve that Mary could not go with them but I did not know anything about their going till Father wrote me they would go that night. And if I had known I would not have thought it right to leave Mary at that time, with Howard so low. She still hopes to see you, but is much engaged, and when her work is done there may not be a proper opportunity But we will hope for the best. She has been making wax flowers, and does them very well. Then she has some pictures to finish, two at least that she ought to do before she leaves. I do want her to breathe the sea air during the heat of summer.
I was sorry to hear of thy fright but glad it passed off so well. And hope thee will not be tried soon again.
Our friends give a glowing account of you all. and we are most anxious to see you but cannot pray very earnestly for it, for fear we might be heard, knowing as we do that Luther must leave before we can have you with us.
Dear little ones, I suppose they have grown so much that we will scarce know them when they come home.
I brought home a very full account of Howard written by his Father, and thought I had enough for thee. I can find only one, and will send it for thee to read it if thee will return it to Mary, to whom it belongs. If I can find another I will send it there to keep. I think the other copies are only mislaid.
I feel as if I had been gone a long time from home, and that I have been much farther from you, because I did not get your letters regularly. They kept me advised of you but it was not like being at home, and receiving a letter every Wednesday. I have been to your house this morning. Everything is safe there. The grass is high, but Father says Uncle is going to cut it in a few days. when I hope it will look more like home, or rather, more like it used to when you were at home.
John has just left us. He seemed to have passed a very pleasant time with you, and is warm in his commendations of the children, and indeed of you all. I am glad, for his sake, and thine also, that he made you the visit. All send love.
I am, as ever, dear Child thy affectionate
Mother.
Augusta F. Bruen Care of Major L.B.B. Fort Hamilton N.Y. Harbor N.Y.
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June 1, 1862
Forrer, Sarah Hastings Howard
Dayton, OH
4 pages
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.6.362
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http://repository.wellesley.edu/mitchill/362
