Letter from Augusta Bruen, Dayton, OH to Luther Bruen, 1861-07-09
Dayton, O. July 9th 1861
Dearest One, I must write to you tonight I cannot help it! Do not think I am grieving, I am just as good as you can wish and bravely bearing this great trial. Judge Holt said tonight that he supposed I hardly knew how I felt yet; I told him I felt as if in a dream and was only afraid I should awake to the reality.
He said that he asked Mrs. McDermont how she liked her Husband's absence, "Not at all, my mind has undergone a change about second marriages, I don't blame anyone for making them" was her very decided answer. I saw her as I came home, and mentioned it to her, where upon she declared that I should be of the same opinion before three months. Mrs. Holt told me that she (Mrs. Mc D.) *understood* visiting the Doctor next week.
But seriously, dear Husband, I am a marvel to myself. I allowed myself a hearty cry after the last dear embrace, and then went to work as quickly as possible and so have continued ever since my efforts have been rewarded by a cheerful frame of mind most of the time, and, when I get my letters, quite joyous, ready to laugh, even then.
Mother came near to upsetting all this, by telling me of your affectionate solicitude for me, in requesting her to let you know how I got along.
She says give her love to you, tell you that we did not know how very much we loved you till now, and that the children and I are getting along so well that she thinks it unnecessary to write to you herself. _ For your kindness dear One, receive your wife's dearest thanks; my heart is full to overflowing when I think of your constant care and above all for this last secret proof of your love.
All are so kind to me here, that I can want for nothing, but you. Jere said last night that he would do anything for me that he could.
All at Father's are watchful; and Uncle John came along today with, "Now don't kill me! I found it was because he had not come in to see about my marketing. I told him I had not and did not expect him to attend to that; but he declares he will do it. He then told me of the *free* he had over the efforts of Mr. JD.P.ks. To find out from him whether you were in command of the Fort or not. _ Uncle J. had told Haynes and K. King (who is a great friend of our whole family) and said he was sure the first one had told the gentleman. He questioned and questioned all around it; but could learn nothing, finally he had to tell it himself, when Uncle John said Ah! is he? very much to Mr. King's amusement.
This evening Uncle took me up town to do a little shopping and rode me and the bairns around town a short time.
He said that Mrs. P. was very much embarrassed a day or two since, by the arrival of Don Piatt's horse, which was to go with General Schenck's. But although Lilly had written to her father that the horse was coming and he had told of it, being very much gratified; the horse was not forthcoming, a sufficient sum not having been subscribed. _ Pour fellow! I do feel sorry for him but particularly for his daughters; the mortification is very great.
It is very late, so that I must go to bed but I will talk again to you dear One, tomorrow. Good night.
Wednesday Evening_ I am expecting the Tea bell to ring soon but can wait a little if the children do not come to me too often._ I was going to tell you that if Sella is good enough I am to take her to the Sunday school picnic, as she was disappointed on the Fourth.
I went to Judge Holt's to see whether it would be 'proper' for us to go; having asked the question, Mart said "why? because Luther is away, and there might be some young people there?
As that was not my fear she told me that she was on the "basket committee" and her invitation was sufficient, so as I said it depends on Sella, and , the weather. The other children will stay with their grandmother.
You spoke of the possibility of taking me to stay with you a short time. So I suppose you can accompany me but once, I think I would prefer going to you and having you come home with me. And what do you think of my taking Frank?
He seems feeble, and perhaps would be better for such a journey. Of course I understand that all must depent upon your orders and convenience; but if my proposal does not clash with your probably engagements tell me what you think of it.
Uncle John pronounced your last letter an excellent one, and wanted me to heed the advice which I am doing as I have already told you. _ Mary said Uncle John said something about me the other day, when she said, 'why I think Gus is doing very well, don't you Aunt Ann?" Indeed she is " said Aunt Ann, Whereupon Uncle John broke out, "Of course she is, I did not say she wasn't". This is always his style of answer whenever he thinks any one does not do me justice; they tell me that he thinks very highly of me; and I am very glad of it.
Night_ I have got your letter which is mailed the 8th. and have been trying to attend to the business part of it.
Uncle John promised me two or three times over to see to the blue stripes, and as a storm was just coming up I concluded to leave it to him; this evening I found he had forgotten it entirely; so I went up to find out all I could myself. They showed me the coat which instead of being in New York this evening was to be sent tomorrow. Pantaloons had not been made at all; they said you did not order them. I did not know whether to order them or not, but thought I would consult Uncle John while on my way home. he drive up to where I was and told Mary and me to jump in and he would take us home before the rain came up, but no such good luck, a heavy shower came up and as the carriage leaked I got quite wet. _ Uncle said send the coat and tell him not to make the pantaloons, so I sent him a note to that effect and also told him that I wanted to pack some sheets and pillow cases with it, and cautioned him about allowing it to be pressed by them. I will also send the Register with them. _ I am obliged to send two sheets unwashed, there were on Mary's bed and these four are all I have of the right size. The pillow cases I have made this evening. Uncle John says he will attend to the other business, and I will watch him. He has been at work in the cemetery the last week, and is sad much of the time, Your appointment seems to cheer him up more than any thing else. He says he did not exactly like to tell you to accept because he feared something might happen to make him expect it, but he was very much afraid you would not.
I am very sorry you have received no letters, I sent one last Friday, and a second on Sunday, this I suppose will go tomorrow morning._ Your last came promptly, mailed the 8th and came to hand the 10th in the evening. Now about my arrangements. What kind of bed clothes? The best or medium? Towels?_ How do the ladies dress; plainly or extravagantly? Will I be obliged to get a nurse at all? I don't like the idea; but if I must would prefer getting one there. _ Of course Congress may settle all this for me in a quick way; but still I would like you to tell me as nearly as possible what I ought to do in case I go. Must I prepare every thing I want before I go? If there are no facilities for getting work done of course I want to do it when I have the machine at hand. I did not see the children when the letter was read to them, as their grandfather performed that Office Mother said Frank drank it in with both eyes and ears, and Master Rob paid no attention whatever!! Poor Father! his eyes filled up immediately at the idea of the childrens' going away; he picked up Rob. and said it would not do at all. Mother seemed to think when I first spoke that you wanted us before Congress had decided, and accordingly rebelled; but thinks #it all right as you propose. Good night dearest. I fear your commissions will not be attended to in time if I do no go to bed soon.
Thy Augusta
PS. I know nothing about the *German* uniform, and don't know where to find out about it. Tell me if you can . Perhaps Mrs. Gilman can give you some of the answers to my questions. #
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July 9, 1861
Bruen, Augusta Forrer
Dayton, OH
8 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.6.17
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http://repository.wellesley.edu/mitchill/17
