Fannie P. Crutchfield

Fannie P. Crutchfield

Dallas Co. Tex. Apr. 17th [1864]

Dear Sister Annie

          I wrote you a few days since in which I promised to write you by Bro. Tom. As I have but little news to communicate, will take the privilege of lecturing you a little. I know your disposition so well, I fear you suffered more uneasinesson our account than you should have done. I know hearing from us so irregularly that dark clouds are apt to arise in your imagination. I entreat you to strive against this --- remember the old adage -- it is time enough to climb mountains when we get to them. Allways look at the bright side. Though you may hear we are surrounded by the enemy, remember we are far in the interior, remote from any water course or railroad.

          Do not give yourself the least anxiety on our account. I do not think there is a safer place to be in the Confederacy than Dallas Co. You and I have great reason to be thankful that we have not suffered by this Cruel War, like thousands have. We yet have many comforts and blessings which we ought to appreciate and not grieve because we have not the society of all who are loved by us, to add to our happiness. No one would be more proud to clasp a pet sister in their arms than I would mine. But I try to be resigned to our separation. I am glad you are permitted to enjoy the society of your Husband so frequently and that your relations and friends have been so kind and attentive to you. We are more than glad to hear your health is restored, and that you have gotten along so well with your babe. Ma talks about you a great deal --- if sister Bettie and I did not love you so well, I think we might become jealous. But we permit her to talk about that dear child as much as she pleases and we never complain.

          Ma give Tommie a nice supper yesterday evening the young folks enjoyed themselves very much. Miss Bessie Edminson did her best to captivate Mr. Floyd. But I hardly think she succeeded. I think his Arkansas girl has his heart. Tom seems much disappointed that he cannot visit her. The feds have possession there. Our armies are concentrating on the coast. Galveston is the point 'tis thought will be attacked. I received a packet of letters from Mr. C. [the writer's husband] yesterday evening -- his health has not been good recently -- he has neuralgia of the spine. He was at home when Tommie got in but had to return to his command in a few days. They are now camped in the vicinity of Houston. We have a fine prospect for an excelent wheat crop -- will have fruit in abundance unless we have a late frost. Pa's cherry and Damson trees are very full of fruit. I would like to help you gather some of those nice strawberries you spoke of growing at your Pa's [father-in-law]. There is constant trade from here to Sanintonia with flour for goods. Pa Crutchfield [the writer's father-in-law] is in the mercantile business -- his health is verry feble. Ma [Crutchfield] is as brisk around the counter as she use to be around the table. She talks very frequently about you and the Gen. -- says she intends to Give the Gen a big dinner when he gets home. She intended giving Bro Tom a party but did not do so on account of Bettie Lane's health, she has a son two weeks old -- her oldest died more than a year ago.

          I presume the Gen would like to hear what has become of his old friends. Mr. Lane is still Cap of a Company in Chisums Reg. Col. C. resigned on account of bad health. Crill Miller is now Col. Mr. Swindells is editing the Herald. John Eakins has been a Qr Master in Ganoes Brig --- has recently been assigned to post duty at Bonham. Col. Burford has resigned -- is clerk in some department in Dallas. Stone [B. Warren Stone, who raised the 6th Texas Cavalry] has also resigned. McCoy is enrolling officer at Dallas. Dr. ______ still keeps out of the army also _______. Old ________ has not quite killed himself drinking yet. Judge ________ is scared nearly to death the feds will get here. He has sold his house and lot and a goodeal of land adjoining for 500 in specia -- is going to start to Sanintonia in a few days. I have heard a good many of your and the Gens friends say they intended to write you by Tom. But I fear you will not get many letters as he has concluded to start a few days sooner than was expected. Sister Bettie said she would write by Tom when she was down a few days ago. But we did not know then he would start in the morning. Mollie promised Grand Ma yesterday she would write two letters to her Pa. Oscar has written one -- they will write to Johnie soon. Pa is writing today I suppose he will tell you all about home. Aunt Cinda and Sallie, Mammy Julia and Loussa [Floyd house servants] all send love to you and the children. Black Mammy says tell Aunt Mima and Winnie that they need not claim her child Bennie. All are anxious to see Miss Annie's baby. We all dread for Tom and the boys to start back Ma is afraid he will be taken prisoner. Arck Cockran started to his command in Nov., was captured we have heard near the Miss River -- he started from camp in Arkansas. Jim wrote a long letter to you by him also one to Tom --- he wrote to me he thought you would be sure to get it and I almost become discouraged at times because so few of our letters reach you -- but I know your anxiety is verry great to hear from us often and I will continue to write as long as there is the least possible [chance] of a letter reaching you. The health of the country is excellent -- our health is very good. The children are all growing rapidly Georgie is as fat as every -- has never had any sickness the hooping cough never hurt him a particle. I am so glad the children have all had it. Did not I find it difficult to condense all I would like to talk to you about on paper. I have at least a dozen different things on my mind at once I wish to tell you. So you must excuse the disconnected manner in which this is written and all mistakes -- it is getting late I must close. The children join me in sending love to you all. Be sure and write often.

                                                  Your Affectionate Sister

                                                            Fannie P. Crutchfield