Marietta
July 13th, 1862
Well my most darling, sweet good boy
Another messenger of love was handed me yesterday and one the day before, which cheered and relieved my mind and heart much. Yours to our little Eula we all enjoyed much. I read it to the crowd and they thought it splendid and that I ought to keep it for her. She was so delighted when I read it that she threw up her hands and whooped and laughed.
You thanked me darling for making a shirt for you. I have two made to send by Witter and you must write me word which you like best. I don't know when Witter will return. He seems to have taken quite a fancy to flying around the girls, goes to call or walk with some of them every evening; accompany them on horseback occasionally.
Tuesday. 15th. Well darling I began this letter on Sunday, but somehow I have not had time since to finish it, hope to do so now. Oh! it is so very warm this morning. I hope you have cooler weather. I think you a darling sweet boy to write as often as you do. I see now that whenever I don't hear it is not your fault, but the postmasters.
In my last I believe I told you that our little Eula was sick with dysentery. She is now well again, but did not get so until I first sent to Dr. Cleveland to send me some medicine for her, which he did and cured her. This physic has helped me too, although I am not fat yet by a long shot, but that is partly because I can't get enough to eat and kind I want.
Witter, Eula and I were thinking of making our aunts in Lawrenceville a visit tomorrow, but it is so extremely warm today I don't think much I will attempt it. It's warmer up here than down there.
Eula and her mama are perfectly delighted to hear that you intend sending her a buggy. I tried to get one for her while in Atlanta but none could be had in town. I hope you may succeed better than I did. If you do Eula will consider it a birthday present, for she heard of it on her 4th birthday. Yes, last Saturday she was four months old. I do wish so much dear papa could make us a visit, but I am afraid that old Gen. Mercer won't let him come when he goes to be examined. Never mind darling, you must come just as soon as you can get a furlough, and in the meantime I will try to fatten on the hope of your coming. Witter has just come in and informed me that I can't get there (Lawrenceville) without spending the night at Stone Mountain or in Atlanta, and he is not willing to spend a night at a hotel. So I'll have to give it out until you come, if you feel so inclined.
I believe I wrote you everything I could in my last, so this will have to be a shorter letter, for the warm weather makes me so lazy and sleepy that I can't keep my eyes open.
I believe I wrote you in my last that Capt. Atkinson had sold the Gov's place and bought Dr. Connel's house just opposite theirs. Saturday morning Gurty Mumford, Bell Tison and Annie all came round and made us a call. Gurty left that evening. She is as fat as she can be. A nice girl she is. She made so much over Eula. Thought she looked like both of us. I returned Jessie Choen's call yesterday, but did not see Eula's best friend. She was out shopping. Darling you need not tell Eula to watch me among the beaux, for if I did have any such thing she would inform her darling papa of it right away, for she does keep a bright lookout on me.
Oh! precious, our little darling is too smart. Last night I carried her to the supper table and told her to show folks how she did when she met ladies, and the darling little creature actually bowed her head as good as anyone could have done. A little while after, Lillie came in and I told her to show Aunt L, but she shook her head as much as to say no I won't.
I told her of the nice cake Miss Hanner More Smith gave me at tea Sunday evening, and she screamed as if her heart would break until I told her I had brought some home for her which she could suck. Miss Hanner More took us on the ……. too but did not honor us with her bonnet as she did pa. After we girls came down she carried Witter up there but I don't know what she did with him.
Jessie Choen gave me a ring made out of a Yankee bone and two hearts pierced by an arrow painted with Yankee blood. She sends it to Capt. Brown but I think she means it for Lieut. Nicholes. I would not wear such a thing.
I look every day for Eula's buggy until it comes. Write soon to your own Loulie.
I got a nice long letter from Emmie Beenis the other day. She said her brother U.M. had a narrow escape. A Yankee shot at him. He turned around, marked the man and made him bite the dust. Witter is waiting for the letter, so goodbye. All send love to you and Henry.
Yours
Loulie