|
|
|
|
|
Fort Stevens As I have to stay in the house and can find no more pleasant occupation, will write to you. I did not do as the doctor told me to until I was obliged to, which was day before yesterday then I had such a headache that I could not read, or write, nor hardly see, and it staid by me until yesterday afternoon, but today am a great deal better. Think I will obey orders hereafter. There is quite a cold wind here Today, and it is no very great punishment to stay in the house, only I wish the house was in the good old town of Shoreham, Vermont, or else that some one that lives there was down here, it makes it a little too lonesome to have to stay in doors. There is nothing new here except that we have to get lessons in Artillery Drill and [recite] Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I have hardly been our of camp since I got back from VT. and you know (or if you dont know I can tell you) that a soldiers life in garrison is very monotonous. Some of these days I will skedaddle off somewhere and try to find something to write about, unless you should happen to come down to this country, in which case I think you would not expect one to write, as it is a great deal easier to find something to talk about. Loretta, I am almost persuaded to give up the point about worship you know what I mean. One thing is certain, a long while ago I learned to love a "young lady." It was a long time before I dared tell her so, and when I did she behaved in such a manner so that I thought it was of no use, and I concluded to forget her but that was easier to say than do. I tried it for three years and the consequence is that I love her better now than when I first told her so, and better than all she has finally condescended to tell me that she loves me. And notwithstanding all [she] said against it, I believe I more than half "worship her." You know who she is, but not how well I love her, no one but myself knows how much I love her not even herself. I intend to tell her when I see her (not with a pen). Well what are you doing today? Been to church all day I suppose and now quarter past five are over to Mrs. Keefe's [raising Ned] with Queen [Lid]. Has Mrs. Mead found out for certain whether I am engaged or not? I am very sorry she has so much trouble about it, of course she has to write all the news to Mrs. [Sent***]. Would you like to read an extract from one of her letters, well here it is. "Loretta says that George and the Major are coming home next month. She says she know s George ain't engaged and she don't care if he was engaged. [****] a dozen she could get him if she wanted him. She didn't want him though she said." (She then goes on to say) "I think he is a big fool if he would have her now. I hope he won't don't you." I know she wrote that to Mrs. [S.] I hope it done her good, perhaps it would if she knew how little the "big fool" cares for anything she says. It is growing dark, and as my old head will not allow me to write by lamplight will close for this time. I have not got the Major[s] picture yet, will try and get it this week. Write to me often
|