Letter from Augusta Bruen, Dayton, OH to Luther Bruen, 1861-03-07
Dayton O. March 7th. 1861
Dear Husband,
While waiting for Sella to go to sleep I will write some few things which may be forgotten if defered till tomorrow._ First, I met Mr. James Harris this morning, who asked me to mention to you that his son Charles is anxious to get the mail agency between Cleveland and Buffulo and he thought that you might be able to do something for him; I believe he has spoken to Eliza as I heard he was down there last evening._ There is Mary, and Sella is asleep so I will go down stairs and finish tomorrow, after I have got a letter from you I hope.
Saturday March 9th._ I have just received your letter, My Dearest, and think from the date that it ought to have come yesterday. I am sorry now that I did not write yesterday, as you must now wait some time for an answer. My letter will contain but little even though delayed so long for in truth I feel but little spirit for writing. A fit of headache accompanied by a spell of "Blues" attacked me Wednesday and has scarcely yet left me. _ First I cracked one of my gas shades; then had some trouble with the children (Frank cut out all the buttonholes in one of Robby's dresses, beside other mischief) Sella added her share; I acquitted myself as well as could be expected, but still it troubled me not a little.
Above all I wanted to see you; it does seem very far, when farther than a day's journey; so long before we can hear from each other.
Well, well! Is this not a delightful frame of mind to live in? I don't know but I feel better already for having told you; just as your had laid on my hot forehead always soothes me so I will try to imagine it has come to me since reading your last kind lines, for which I have been looking a day or two so anxiously.
As for Office affairs, I fear your news is but the prelude to worse; indeed I feel no hope at all.
There is a report here that, Blair, beign a connection of Mr. Voorkers, will probably give him his support._ Take it for what you may think it is worth.
I had understood that Mr. Green had withdrawn from the contest, and was much surprised at your account.
Of course we are anxious to get your next letter, which I suppose will give the result of the conference with Lincoln.
Uncle John told me of a formidable rival for City Solicitorship, even no less a personage than Mr. Lovell!! Now then, look out my good fellow!
I went yesterday to see Jenny More, but she had gone to her Mother's. Scarcely had I returned before it began raining and continued till sometime during the night when it changed for a snow. It is snowing now as in Winder. I do hope it won't be another gloomy day as it was last Sunday; it rained all day and you were away. I am ashamed to depend so much upon circumstances for my happiness; but when the great circumstance is a dear good man like unto yourself, don't you think I am a little bit excusable? I know your answer for that question already._ Mr. Rob and I have had a merry struggle, I wanted to put on his drawers but he crept under the bed, laid himself down and told me he was "teepy" I finally pulled him out laughing heartily. He and Frank are looking at the snow now, of course the letter needs some attention with regard to certain buttons around his waist. Sella is manufacturing or repairing a splendid apron out of an old red delaine dress; Mary put pockets in it last night and I put on white strings. the gathering has broken out today. Uncle John has been very sick with headache this week, and Aunt Ann has stopt giving him coffee; he says the "Abergoin" (is that the way?) has shut down on him"; and threatens to get "Andy" to make him some she however feels sure that his coffee won't suit and refuses to be frightened.
Mother is quite disappointed by the weather today as she expected to remove some shrubs from her own and our yards to her new place (plantation I came near saying)_ Plantation reminds me of the south, and in connection with that, "Littell's Living age". Have you noticed some articles lately in which the feelings of the *secessionists* are very kindly card for? I had not till Lib told me to look for them I did not look for these particular ones but found some very affecting poetry in the last one, which quite convinced me without the others. I think we may spend our six dollars to better advantage for the coming year. Let them depend upon the South here after as they are so very anxious to avoid offense in that quarter. Dear me! wouldn't your life be in danger if this hostile *missive* passed through, or rather reached the Charleston Post Office? I am afraid you would never see it or we see you again.
Howard is to find out whether this can go tonight; I hope it can and that he will not forget to take it to the Office for me. _ What are Mr. Corwin's hopes or chances just now? I saw Eliza and Mrs. Brady last Thursday. E. was very tired sewing on the machine but all were well with that exception. Mrs. B. said that her birthday came round on Monday, and asked what the ladies would do for the poor old sister, we laughed at the pitious appeal and I asked her what she meant by being born on washday which amused her exceedingly.
I am glad the pictures are a comfort to you. The original of the least one, just got a tumble, which much to his surprise didn't hurt him, so he is trying it over._ I am getting too cold at this writing and the children are needing my attention, so good-bye for a day or two. Ever Your Augusta
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March 7, 1861
Bruen, Augusta Forrer
Dayton, OH
6 pages
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865
Bruen, Augusta Forrer -- Correspondence
Catharine Mitchill '31 Collection of Family Letters, Wellesley College Library, Special Collections
MSS.6.4
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http://repository.wellesley.edu/mitchill/4
