Letter from Augusta Bruen, Dayton, OH to Luther Bruen, 1861-03-22
Dayton March. 22nd. 1861
Dear Husband, Uncle John sent me your letter to him this morning, and told Mary to talk now that he would attend to it. Shortly afterwards mine was brought to me, which I immediately sent to him. I would much rather read them to him, but it seems necessary to move quickly, so I am obliged to sacrifice my feelings to the general interest. After all there is nothing in the affectionate tone that we need be ashamed of, indeed I am very proud of them.
Mary told me last night that Aunt Mary Affleck once assked Aunt Ann what kind of husband you made she said she thought a very good one; she did not know how you would have done with anyother woman, but thought I was just the wife for you.
I believe you would have been a good husband to any woman you might have chosen, but still I feel as if no one could love you better than I do; it seems sometimes as if a thought of you was in some way connected with every thing with which I have to do; as if you are inseperable with my life and love.
Our present separation is hard to bear at times, yet I can sometimes forget the present in thinking of the joyful meeting me may have at last if the dear Father permits.
Sella and Frank were much pleased and Sella says she will try to do as you wish her to. Frank was very much abashed at the idea of being so big, and hid his head.
The pictures were a great addition to the letters in their eyes.
Mr. S. is in town, Uncle saw him, but said nothing to him about our affairs, he is very angry and says he means to to go to Washington and say goodbye to the President; he is done with him forever.
Luther Brady came to say goodbye last night; he seemed to have been thinking seriously of the dangers of Washington associations and evils. I hope he will escape them all and realize some good beside.
I suppose Robert has lost his appointment, but hope he is doing quite as well without ; if what we hear of him is true.
Robby has not been very well the past week, and made me very uneasy, as the sickness among children is unusually great and fatal; but with him I think his stomack teeth are the trouble. He is well enough to fight quite fiercely He fights Frank generally, but will turn and slap me if he thinks I am abusing him even though angry with hime the minute before.
The Brown's have lost their three youngest children, one only survives of a very interesting family of four.
Oh, aught not we to be thankful that our experience in the same house was so much more happy; though it was threatened quite as sadly once? Mrs. Brown herself has a sore throat and is nearly heart broken.
Love and health! what else need we pray for? With them we can conquer the evils of life, and be forever happy.
Father is still absent, so that your thoughts for him cannot reach him for some time, too late I fear to do any good. I do not however know what Uncle thinks of the proposition not having seen him since reading the letter.
I have seldom been asked anything about Father's prospects, when I have to answer the question, always do so vaguely, know nothing about it, suppose such things are always uncertain till finally disposed of &c.&c.
I aslo try to wear an easy expression neither gay nor sad._ Mary and I generally sit in the dining room in the evening; it is nearer the children, and seems more retired than the parlor. Mary has come to stay with the children while I go out , so I will close with much love to you my dear, darling Husband.
Augusta
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March 22, 1861
Bruen, Augusta Forrer
Dayton, OH
4 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.6.12
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http://repository.wellesley.edu/mitchill/12
