Letter from Augusta Bruen, Dayton, OH to Luther Bruen, 1861-08-01
Dayton O Aug. 1st 1861
'Duty before pleasure', dear Husband
I have just been answering the letter I will enclose to you.
I told friend Bill where you were, and that I would send his letter, and that he could not get an answer till the middle or last of next week. Do answer immediately and tell him where to write, whether to you or Uncle John.
I saw Mr. Houseman today, and he wished me to ask if you would part with those books; he seems very anxious to have them; he made no offer; said he did not know what was asked for them in the bookstores, that he only knew that you had got them for less than they normally cost. I told him to tell his son today that I believed you did not wish to part with your law books. Those things have not been moved.
Well! The commercial says that all the Ohio and Indiana appointments were confirmed. I feel a little as Rufus King, that after the thing was offered to you I wanted you to succeed even if you did not stick to it long, because, as he said there were always plenty to pick at every body. He was quite warm about it last night as we talked at the corner.
Yes, the fear that you may be in a little too long for our good, or happiness, sometimes almost overcomes me, for you are quite too dear to us all, to think of any accidents befalling you, without dismay, and sadness. Mother said yesterday that she missed you more and more every day, and she could wish the appointment would fall, except for your probable disappointment, and because it would gratify some people.
I am afraid there will be some difficulty about company. John *Dard's* clerk said today that he was not going for four weeks and I feel sometimes such dislike of asking anyone that I am half inclined to go without them if Ernestine will go with us. Mary and I have been thinking over all the persons who are likely to go. I think of seeing Mrs. Babbitts and Mrs. Conrad. I know of no others I would like to ask. I will try to find out about the changes and see if I can not get along without asking any others. You spoke of James *Perrin* and Harry Conover, but I would not like to ask either one. I am afraid all the men will be afraid of me.
Thursday morn._ I am not yet dressed but seeing a pretty picture in Sella's room just now I thought I would tell you of it. Sella called me to see how nicely they were fixed in bed, I went and six blue eyes bright with excitement were turned up on me, Rob's little white teeth showing too, so delighted was the little fellow. Pretty soon after Sella was caressing him and calling him 'sweetest-', he echoed it with 'seetah' 'seetah'. Then soon after came out to 'tell mamma' on *'Pankums'*. He has taken off his night clothes now and is 'nakah' he says. I must go and dress him.
Do give me all the information you can as to your papers. I've noticed some that I thought were deeds. Shall I let Uncle J look over them and see what my might to be done with them._ Give me all the information you can about my traveling.
Must I give up any checks and have the luggage sent to No. 38 Broadway? Supposing by some accident I should be alone in New York; where should I wait for you?
As for the house I suppose it will have to be cleaned, and think we had better board till I can see to it myself. And wish you would look out for a good woman to help me.
I must close as Uncle John is going.
Thine ever
Augusta
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August 1, 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.6.26
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http://repository.wellesley.edu/mitchill/26
