Letters from soldier that surname start with S

Letters from soldier

Letters from soldier that first name start with S

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews

Hudson, Oct. 2nd, 1864

Dear Brother Jimmie,

We received two letters from you yesterday, one written last Sabbath, the other on Tuesday to which I'll hasten to reply. I should have written again last week, but in your letter which was received the first of last week you said that you might possibly leave for Washington, therefore I thought I would wait until I heard again as I did not know what Regiment you were to be in, as that is a settled thing I will try and write oftener.

You must give me credit for one long letter if you received it as you should have done the last of last week. I have felt very sorry that you could not get more letters from home, now as I know your address. You may have so many letters that you will consider it a task to read them.

I went to the P. O. every day last week but was doomed to be disappointed until yesterday when Charlie brought in two letters. Mother as usual worried very much about you and finally came to the conclusion that you really did start for Washington or that you were sick, either conclusion was not very pleasant to reflect upon. You can imagine to what fate you will be assigned if we do not hear from you very often. So if you do not want to be sent to the Potomac or be put in the hospital write, write.

It is so rainy that I did not go to church today. We have not had so stormy a Sabbath I should think for two years. It looks like clearing off now, but as it is after one it is most too late for church today. I have just been writing to Ceal. Mother thinks that she had better come home next week. I received a letter from her last week or rather an essay. It was written with pencil but I think that I will send it to you if you can read it. You know that I have said so much to her about not spinning out her letters, so she to satisfy me has taken a sheet and a half of note paper and written upon, it is all upon one subject. She says nothing about herself. On the envelope she has written to Mr. Seymour that she is quite well. It seems that he had written upon some letter that I had sent to her asking her how she was. He calls it an outside correspondence.

Uncle John went to Milwaukee last week. I hope that he will make you a visit before he returns. He met Aunt Lydia and Cousin Libbie at La Crosse, the same Friday. Libbie's health is not good. She is going to spend the winter. She is a very pretty girl. I hope that we shall enjoy ourselves very much if I do not have to work too hard. They came across two young ladies upon the boat who were coming to visit Mrs. [T. S.] Seymour. They liked them very much; I shall try and call
[p. 6]
soon. I have not made any calls since I wrote to you. I intended to have called upon everybody to whom I was indebted before Libbie came but as usual did not get time.

I have not seen any of the girls to speak with them since you left but see them pass every day to and from school. Whenever I meet anyone the first inquiry is have you heard from Jimmie so you see that you are thought of out of the family.

We were disappointed that you were accepted. Why did they do it! If Ira is accepted this time can he go in the same company with you? Do you have to stand on guard? Who do you room with?

Mrs. [S. S.] Young told Mary that she hoped that Theo would room with you. You must keep watch over the boys, they are surrounded by so much that is evil in the camp that they may easily be led astray. Try and get them to go to church with you.

Mary is out to Mr. Halls, she went Friday with both children. Nellie says that she would write to you if you would write to her. Charlie said you promised not to forget him. I don't think that he will forget you very soon.

We spent the day yesterday at Aunt Lydia's, that is Mother and I did. Aunt Lydia says that she wishes that you would write to her. She would be very happy to hear from you. Libbie has a photograph of Lincoln Farr. He is a very fine looking gentleman. I did not know him.

Mrs. [H. S.] Clapp was saying the other day that there was some talk about your company being sent back on account of Indian difficulties. I hope that is so although I do not feel any fears of an Indian outbreak but you would be nearer home yet I shall feel quite reconciled if you do not have to go any farther than Madison. You find Madison a very pretty place do you not? Uncle John has just got a fine engraving of the city.

Who are your correspondents? I suppose you will have a good many. There was a letter on a bank advertisement came to you from Albert. I suppose it was not sealed. I will send it. You will see by it that Andrews is president of the bank. As mother and Charlie are both writing and I want to send Alla's letter I will have to send two envelopes. Write soon a good long letter as you always do.

Your much attached Sister

Sarah

How do you like Mr. Brown for Captain? Has your company chosen the rest of the officers?

Mary has not seen your letter yet as she is not at home. I presume she will write soon as she gets it. Charlie was very much pleased to get your letter; do not forget to direct one occasionally to him. It was hard work for him to write. I don't think he would if he had not been so glad to hear from you. You must remember it is one of his first efforts. He said he did not know what to write about. Perhaps if you should ask him some questions about the boys he would find it easier to write, until he gets used to it.

Who is that Kerr that you spoke of? I do not remember that I ever
[p. 7]
heard of him.

I think when you get all these letters you will be kept busy for some time. Do I hear you groan and say O dear, what a long letter Sarah has written! I wish that she would adopt Ceal's style. I will if you would like to have me.

Remember me to the boys. Keep good friends with all of them. Watch over them if they are sick and they will, I hope, over you if you should be. Good bye.

April 12, 1865

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, April 12, 1865
Hudson, Wis. April 12th

No. 69

Dear Brother Jimmie,

I have just finished a short letter to Charlie and now comes your turn. I wish I felt in a writing mood, or there was something to write about. News is positively out of date, that is town news, things actually refuse to happen. The weather (that never failing topic) still continues. It snowed last night, it fell to the depth of about three inches, but a warn sun is fast taking it away again. It will probably be good walking by tomorrow.

We had the pleasure Monday of receiving five letters from our brave soldier boys. Three from you and two from Charlie.

Charlie is very good indeed about writing. He says he has not had a letter from home yet. I am afraid the poor boy will think we mean to neglect him if he does not get one soon. I have written three times every week since he left after the first week. He said he had just received a letter from you. Write to him often even if we do not get as many letters. We have heard by the way of Mrs. Foster that you were going to Paducah.

News came yesterday of the surrender of Lee's army. I wrote to you about the people celebrating Sunday. They were only a little in advance of time, just practicing a little before.

As to your proposition about Mother's going east, she says she will go if she can. Charlie proposed it before he went away. She had thought about your coming to accompany her home, but does not like to make much calculation about it, for fear something may happen. I hope she can go. She says she is going to write to you in a few days. Have you got your socks and wrapper? Do we send you money and stamps enough? If we do not, let us know. It is better for you to send to us
[p. 53]
for money than to borrow.

In love,

Sarah Andrews.

The saw mill over the river was burned Monday night.

Mr. Harris Sanders and Stanley Bowron have enlisted.

Aunt Lydia is better. All send love.

April 16, 1865

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, April 16, 1865
Hudson, Wis. April 16th, [1865]

No. 71

Dear Brother Jimmie,

A week ago today I wrote you that it was a day of rejoicing over victories achieved. Today that joy is turned to sorrow. Last night the news reached us that Lincoln had been assasinated.

Today in church while they were singing the second time someone handed Mr. K[e]eley a paper announcing the death of Lincoln and Seward. It was the first the congregation had heard of their death. All had hoped they might live. I don't think there was a dry eye in the church when he read it. His feelings so overcame him he asked to be excused from preaching this morning. After a short prayer the congregation were dismissed. It has cast a gloom over the entire north. All have felt the shock. I had hoped our difficulties were about to be settled, but now hope has almost died. When, yes, when will this war cease? God only knows. I hope our Vice President [Andrew Johnson] will be competent to fill the vacancy. He will be in favor of hanging the traitors. I have thought it would be hardly right to do so; but I think I have changed my mind somewhat within the last twenty four hours.
[p. 55]

For once in a life time we were ready for church in the morning long before it was time. I got ready and sat down and commenced a letter to Charlie while waiting for the minute hand of the clock to point at half past ten. Emory has just been in. He came over after Ada. She has been over since Thursday.

She and Lib went to Catholic church today. It is Easter Sunday. Nellie [Chambers] is going to commence attending school tomorrow. She is very much pleased. She will probably be quite an accomplished young lady when you come home. She is going to that Mrs. Watson that lives up near Mr. [H. L.] Humphreys. She sends her love to you.

I am not in a writing mood today, so I hope you will excuse a partly-filled sheet. Write soon and often to your much attached sister,

Sarah E. Andrews

Mother thinks if you have not got your socks and wrapper you had better send to Nashville and if they are there have them sent to you.

April 2, 1865

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, April 2, 1865
Hudson, Wis.

April 2nd, 1865

No. 65

My Dear Brother Jimmie,

Here I am seated again at the writing table, trying to transfer my thoughts upon paper for your private reading.

I have been to church and Sabbath school today, and as usual feel somewhat tired. Mr. K[e]eley preached today for the first time since he was sick. He will not be able to preach again today. The Congregationalist have hired Mr. Jones and Mrs. Partridge to sing for them the coming year. We shall have to depend upon our own choir for singing in the future.

I wish I could step into Charlie and your tents this afternoon and have a good long chat with you. I rather imagine you would both like it. It will be some time before we can have such a talk. Our conversation will have to be carried on in this silent way six months with you and a long year with Charlie unless Uncle Sam should think he did not need you so long. If he should come to that conclusion I should be very much pleased for one.

We have not had a letter from Charlie since Thursday. We feel very anxious indeed about him. He has done very well indeed about writing home. We had three letters from you yesterday. I must answer some of your questions first. Do we get tired reading your letters? No, indeed, you would not ask such a question if you knew how many times every letter was read and reread. 2nd. Is it at all inconvenient for us to send you your weekly allowance? No. I am afraid sometimes we do not send enough and have been going to ask you if we did, but have forgotten to do so. In the place of postage stamps today we will have to send an extra quarter. Mr. Seymour could not spare but a few stamps yesterday. As to it being any trouble for us to send the other things we are very glad to do all we can for you. I wish we could do more. All send love.

Write soon and often to your

Sister Sarah E. Andrews.

I wish you would write to Mell as soon as you know his address; see if he can not find some easy position for Charlie.

April 30, 1865

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, April 30, 1865
Hudson, Wis.

April 30th, 1865

No. 75

Dear Brother,

Agreeable to my custom I sit me down to write you a few lines upon the first day of the week. It is somewhat later than I usually commence my Sunday letters. I have made it a practice to write immediately after Sabbath school.

Today at two o'clock we went down to the water. Mr. K[e]eley baptized four -- Miss [Charlotte] Mann, Eunice Jones, Sarah Scott, and Beda Mackin. The wind blew quite hard when we first went to the water, but at the time of the baptism it seemed to cease blowing and the sun came out bright, which made it all pass off very pleasantly.

The church this morning was crowded. There is to be a meeting Tuesday evening (to which the church, congregation and citizens are invited) to see about building a new church. I hope they will be successful in their efforts. We need one very much. I heard today that Mr. Thorp was going to preach his farewell sermon next Sabbath.

Kittie [Ismon] says that she has had letters from you and Ira lately; and that neither of you said anything about your own health; but you said in yours that Ira was not well and Ira said you were not, you were troubled a great deal with the headache. I suppose you did not mention it to us for fear we would worry about you. You ought to let us know when you are not well. I wish we could do something for you. We sent you some things yesterday which if you get I hope they will do you a great deal of good. They were sent in a box with some to Ira, Frank, the Hugh[e]s boys and I think some to Theodore [Young]. We would liked to have sent more but we had only a short time to get anything ready.

We did not know until they commenced to pack the box that they were going to send as large a one. I made you some ginger snaps, and took a great deal of
[p. 56]
pains with them. I wanted to have them as nice as they could be. I made two quantities, the first I did not feel satisfied with so I made some more which were a little better, but not as good as usual. We thought the fault was in the sirup, as we wished them to be so good we made them of sirup instead of molasses. Probably the common molasses would have been better. Miss [Charlotte] Mann is going to keep house this summer in that house this side of Oscar Brown's. Miss Barron and Miss Butler live in the same house, but each one does their own cooking. I should not think there would be much pleasure living so.

Emory [Andrews] is over today. He says that Ada has been trying to clean house. We received a letter from you yesterday and one Friday. We also had one from Charlie Friday. He said he had not had but five letters from home and three from you. It is too bad he does not get his letters. I must leave you to write to him.

From your sister,

Sarah

December 13, 1864

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, December 13, 1864
Hudson, Dec. 13th, 1864

28th Letter.

Dear Brother Jimmie,

We have just received three good, long letters from you, one
[p. 33]
for mother, one for Charlie and one, a scarlet one, for myself. We were so very, very glad to get them. Charlie's was not quite a week on the way. The shortest time yet of any of your letters. Mother's was the one you thought would be lost, but it came safe. You will have more time to write now as you are a professional man, won't you? If you do write all the letters (to us) you can the more the better, they will all be acceptable.

It has been snowing all the afternoon. There is a fine prospect of good sleighing. It has been very cold for the last week. The mercury has been down to zero and below most of the time. I shall have to hurry with this as school is out and I expect Miss Mann to go down town with me. But the thoughts don't come very fast, every thought has left me. I suppose you will excuse me if I do not write much of a letter for you know my ability for letter writing.

We are going down town to see about the frame to Mr. K[e]eley's picture. Mary Moffat has finished Mrs. K's Sontag. I haven't done anything yet for the tree, but hope I shall make a beginning before I write again. I would like to make all you Soldier boys a present and put it on the tree if I knew what would be acceptable. I don't know what it would be. I wish I had written to you before about it and you could have told me what to have made, it will be too late now.

You seem to think it very strange we should worry about you or feel anxious. I don't see how we could help it, still we do not feel as anxious as we would if you were obliged to do duty. I hope you won't volunteer to go as guard on any more expeditions or above all to go into battle.

Libbie was down here this morning. Who has written to you so much about her? and who to Ira? You must not get your expectations raised too high. She is mortal. She feels very bad about John's dissipation. I am glad you are going to write to him. It is too bad he did not heed the advice of his friends, he has a good heart and has ability, he might have made his mark in the world if he had only let the fatal glass alone. I hope you will use your influence when you see any of your number yielding to temptation. I feel sure you will by your example. Do so also by your advice. John wrote to Ada that you would make a good Soldier as you had such good principles.

Little Charlie has just learned to whistle, he enjoys it very much. He works and whistles like a man. Did you get the Heralds I sent? I will send you some more scrip twenty five cents. We have been hurrying to get your gloves done so as to send them by Thursday but as you say you are in no haste for them we will not send them until next week, as Mother is very busy making over shoes and other things for Ceal to make her comfortable. I was in hopes you would get them by Christmas so you could have a present. The stockings were sent last Thursday, let us know if you get them.

Do we send you money enough? We will send more if you need it.

All send love. This "dullness
[p. 34]
long drawn out" is from your much attached sister

Sarah E. Andrews

February 12, 1865

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, February 12, 1865
Hudson, Wis. St. Croix Co.

Feb. 12th [1865]

No. 51

Dear Brother,

We received (or rather Charlie did) a letter from you yesterday; it was short, but welcome. You do not write to us what you have to do in your new position. Do you have to drill or be out on guard? Where do you sleep? Write everything about it. We are all so anxious to know all about it.

It looks like snow. We have had very pleasant weather indeed with a little snow the sleighing would be fine, I think. We were all out to church this morning, the house was full. The Baptist will either have to build a larger house or prevail upon Mr. Ke[e]ley not to preach such good sermons. I wish that we could have a larger house. I think if we had we would have a large congregation all the time.

Mary, Ceal and I visited up to Uncle John's yesterday. Mr. and Mrs. [L. P.] Wetherby, Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson Dwight, and C. L. Hall, and their wives were there. Alfred Halls people were invited but were not there. We had a very pleasant visit.

Friday night the Irving Club had a festival. I should think they had a fine time as they could talk of nothing else yesterday. I should liked to have been there if MY husband had only been a member I could have gone.

Old Mr. P. . . died very suddenly yesterday morning. He fell down in the street near the court house; he died before they could get a Dr. there. It was probably
[p. 43]
apoplexy. His loss will not be felt. It was much better for him to die than live. He probably would never have repented. He was a very wicked man, and one that was always drunk I suppose.

I don't know of a thing to write -- you will feel that I am painfully dull today. I can't help it. I knew before I commenced writing I couldn't write anything so I am not at all disappointed but fear you will be.

I was going down to the P. O. the other day with a letter and three packages of papers for you. I met Mr. [Allan] Dawson, he took them and saw who they were directed to, and said something about my writing to you. I said that I generally wrote three times a week; and the rest of the family wrote as often as they could. He said "poor boy, what a tax it must be on him." I fear you really do find some of my letters a heavy tax for I have written a good many when I did not feel unusually right. I hope you will consider him worthy of a reply.

Why don't Frank answer Ceal's letter. I guess he did not think much of it. Is he steady? Write soon to

Sister Sarah

February 12, 1865

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, February 12, 1865
Hudson, Wis. St. Croix Co.

Feb. 12th [1865]

No. 51

Dear Brother,

Why don't Frank answer Ceal's letter. I guess he did not think much of it. Is he steady? Write soon to

Sister Sarah

February 22, 1865

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, February 22, 1865
Hudson, Wis., Feb. 22 [1865]

No. 54.

Dear Brother Jimmie,

I intended to have written to you earlier in the day, but before we had finished our morning's work Ceal came home and Libbie came down to spend the day and in a short time after Frank Brown came. Consequently letter writing was left until a late hour in the day. Night before last it commenced to rain, and rained very hard all night and most of the day yesterday. Last night it froze some so the walking is terrible. The roads are so bad that the stage did not come any farther than Bowron's last night so Ceal did not get home until this morning. She said they had a very bad time getting home, the horse fell down a number of times, and his feet were bleeding.

The travelling is such that the stage will not go back til morning, so Ceal will have an opportunity to go. Ada was intending to have her company last night instead of tonight (Polly has just seated herself on my letter and blotted it.) I suppose she meant it for a mark of respect. She has made me almost forget what I was going to say about Ada. The company is postponed I think until an indefinite time.

Miss Mann took tea at Mary's last evening. I told her not to forget you in distributing her photographs. She said she had not, you should have one. She has just had some taken here in town, they will be finished this week. Charlie is going to have some taken before he leaves. I suppose you have almost despaired of ever getting one of his; but be patient, I think you will have one.

We received two letters from you Monday. I am glad you think so much of Frank and he of you. I think he is a kind hearted and noble boy. I hope he will not get any bad habits while in the army. Give him my respects. I hope he will be true to the Good Templers
[p. 44]
pledge. Who is that Dr. Dahm you speak of? Is he the Dr. you said was in your tent when you were assisting Dr. Karchoval? How does George Durand behave himself? Do you still continue to like you Captain? How does the army effect your whiskers? You have never said anything about them.

Little Charlie Powers was in here today and stayed some time, then said he would have to go or his mother would think he had been drafted. I am trying to write in the dark. I am sorry to leave so much blank paper but shall be obliged to if this goes to the office tonight.

Excuse a hasty written letter from your much attached

Sister Sarah Andrews

February 26, 1865

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, February 26, 1865
Hudson, St. Croix Co., Wis.

Feb. 26th 1865 No. 55

Dear Brother Jimmie,

Mother has just been saying, "I wonder what Jimmie is doing this afternoon." I think perhaps he is writing to the dear ones at home, it may be at this very hour he is penning a letter to me.

It is a beautiful Sabbath afternoon, those of us that were able attended church this morning. Mr. Gibson preached, he did very well indeed for him. He is an excellent man, but really preaching doesn't seem to be his forte. The house was nearly full. Mr. K[e]eley will probably be back by another Sabbath. Mrs. K[e]eley is afraid he will be sick. The weather was so unpleasant when he started.

The stage lost its way the first night he was out, somewhere this side of Eau Claire; they had to stay out all night. It rained here in torrents; if it rained as hard there it must have been very hard for Mr. K[e]eley. I hope he will be able to come back as soon as he intended.

Mother has not been very well for a few days, her side has been troubling her. Charlie has the mumps, he has his face tied up. I think he will get over them without any trouble if he is careful.

Charlie thinks they will go next week. They are not going to be able to raise their quota, so the draft will have to come. I did not write to you again last week as I intended. I put it off until Friday afternoon.

Lib came down then and as I could not send it until tonight if I wrote Saturday, it was left for today. Lib had not been here long when Miss Palmer (Mrs. Seymour's friend) came. She and Esther had gone up to Aunt Lydia's to make a visit, not finding Lib there she came down for her and I to go up there. Lib was down again yesterday and spent the afternoon. Aunt Lydia and Mrs. Isman went out to Sterling Jones' and spent the day. Thursday evening Lib, Mary and I spent at Mr. Seymour's. Charlie Rogers has come, your package of letters came safe. I have not seen him, Father did. He refused to take anything for his trouble.

One of Edwin Otis' little girls died last night with diphtheria. She was sick some time. I tried yesterday to have a seige of toothache but am feeling better today although I am not feeling very bright for which reason you will excuse an unfinished letter from your Sister S. E. Andrews.

Mrs. [A. J.] Rugg has a little daughter.

February 26, 1865

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, February 26, 1865
Hudson, St. Croix Co., Wis.

Feb. 26th [1865] No. 55

Dear Brother Jimmie,

Mother has just been saying, "I wonder what Jimmie is doing this afternoon." I think perhaps he is writing to the dear ones at home, it may be at this very hour he is penning a letter to me.

Mother has not been very well for a few days, her side has been troubling her. Charlie has the mumps, he has his face tied up. I think he will get over them without any trouble if he is careful.

Mrs. [A. J.] Rugg has a little daughter.

February 8, 1865

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, February 8, 1865
[to Nashville]

Wednesday Noon

Feb. 8th [1865]

Dear Jimmie,

Mother wrote last night but I did not get time. I'll write just a very few lines now. I have left my dinner unfinished. Father is waiting with his overcoat and hat on to take this to the office so I must hurry.

We have just returned from the funeral of Mr. [H. A.] Humphrey. The house (the Methodist) was full. Mr. Caldwell preached the sermon. I have not felt very well this week, my back has been troubling me. The report was true that Mattie Young was to be married. Her husband's name is Goodrich, I think. No more at present, I will write again this week.

With much love, goodbye.

From Sarah.

February 9, 1865

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, February 9, 1865
Hudson, Wisconsin

Feb. 9, 1865

No. 50.

My Dear Brother Jimmie,

We have just received a letter from you, the sixty-third. It is not necessary to say how glad we were for you know that we are always pleased to get your letters.

It has been a very busy day indeed, it would probably interest you to know what we have been doing.

Last night Miss Mann came in and told us that the Stillwater Teachers and perhaps some of the Scholars were coming down today to visit the schools. Our Teachers thought that it would be pleasanter to have a dinner at the school-house than at the Hotel, and wanted to know if we would make the coffee. We told her we would.

Miss Mann wanted everything should go on like clock work. The dinner was to be ready precisely at twelve, she had appointed two girls to come over and get the coffee at that time. She was to send us word when they came, the company, so if they did not it would not be wasted. She thought if they did not come today they would tomorrow. This morning as soon as they sent us the coffee we went to work and browned it but received no word that they had come but supposed of course they had not, so we set down to our work. At twelve Permelia and Kittie came for the coffee. The people had come, were there at recess. The coffee was not even ground. We sent back word to Miss Mann how it was but we would have it ready as soon as we could make it. We had boiling water, and to work we went as hard as we could. We made it in the boiler and had it ready in 20 minutes. Miss Mann thought she would never do for a house-keeper, she was so forgetful. I thought her "clock work" was considerably out of repair. I saw her this afternoon, she wanted I should go over to school. I told her I had to write. She said, remember me to James, and tell him we are having a regular tearing down time Friday afternoon.

Mother and I have just been watching the people get started for Richmond. They did not go with a four horse team as they intended to. I suppose you want to know who went and who they went with. George Swazey (I don't know as I have spelled that name right) took Mollie Wright and one of the Wilcox girls. Nell and Fred were in the next sleigh with Mary Moffat and Kittie, they stopped for the other Wilcox girl, I rather think it was Permelia. Then came Emory with Ada and Libbie, and a gentleman and lady that I did not recognize. They sent an invitation up to Ceal. I don't know where they will find room for her, as they seemed to be crowded. Their cutters were not very large. They are having a splendid day for their ride. It will be fine coming home tonight, as it will be bright moonlight. I don't know how the sleighing is, but the roads are icy I presume.

We had a considerable rain last week, the day you said it was raining at Nashville. When it froze it made it very slippery. Viola
[p. 42]
Crowe was in here the other day. She was after a Latin book. She made quite a call but did not say anything about you until she got out into the hall and I had closed the door. She then inquired when we heard from Jimmie. I thought she did not care to have the rest of the family hear her.

Have you answered Ada's letter yet? She seems to think that those notes she has sent in my letters are letters and you ought to answer them. If you have not written to her I would write a note about as long as hers and send it to her in one of our letters, that is if you have received no others from her. Charlie came back yesterday. He saw Edward, and went up to Shakopee with him. He is in St. Paul Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. He is only on the road every other day. Charlie has come home just as determined to enlist as before he went away. I was in hopes that private letter you sent him would have influence upon him to keep him at home, for I imagined it told him he had better not enlist. He will not tell any of us what it was about. I suppose Ceal will come home tonight.

I told you more than a week ago that I was going to send you some papers but have neglected to do so. I'll try and get time to do up some today.

Write very soon, and very often to

Sister Sarah.

Remember me to the boys.

February 9, 1865

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, February 9, 1865
Hudson, Wisconsin

Feb. 9, 1865

No. 50.

My Dear Brother Jimmie,

We have just received a letter from you, the sixty-third. It is not necessary to say how glad we were for you know that we are always pleased to get your letters.

It has been a very busy day indeed, it would probably interest you to know what we have been doing.

I told you more than a week ago that I was going to send you some papers but have neglected to do so. I'll try and get time to do up some today.

Write very soon, and very often to

Sister Sarah.

Remember me to the boys.

Hudson, March 12th, 1865

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, March 12, 1865
Hudson, March 12th, 1865

No. 59

Dear Brother Jimmie,

It has been one long week since I have written to you. I think I told you in my last that I should probably not write to you again for a week as I was going to take Ceal's place for a couple of weeks. I came home last night, but am going back in the morning.

I also came home Thursday night to see Charlie. He went the next morning, I had to leave before he did. I am really afraid he will be sick -- he was not able to go. He had not walked so far as down town since he was sick until the day before; the day he started was very cold indeed. They were only going as far as Ellsworth the first day. I was very sorry I could not see him start off. We miss him very much, it is a lonely house; and it will be such a long time before he can come home again.

I wish he was going to be with you, or even if it was as good company as you are in I should feel better about him. I do hope he will be able to resist the temptations that will be placed in his way. You must write to him very often. He will be very lonely I imagine. I hope he will write to us often; but I hardly expect we shall get as many letters from him as we shall from you. You must not cease to write to him even if you do not get letters often.

He went and had his photograph taken in the morning just as he was starting. It is very good, much better than the one he had
[p. 47]
taken before. It looks very much like you.

Aunt Lydia gave a party Thursday evening, it was very pleasant. It was on Charlie's and Mell's account, there were no married people there. Charlie seemed to enjoy it very much; it was about two o'clock when we came home. I was afraid we could not get him to go but he seemed very willing to. Ceal will write to you I presume about the party at Mr. Moffat's. I was very sorry that I was not here to go.

Emory is coming over Thursday after Mother, Ceal, Mrs. Cowles and Mr. Moffat's folks. I hope the sleighing will not all be gone by that time.

We are having the best sleighing that we have had this winter. It has been very cold for over a week, but is somewhat warmer today and it will probably not last.

The prospect is now that we are going to have high water this spring. It will be very pleasant to have some large boats once more. You had better not write to Charlie until you hear from him or us where to direct. I am going to write to him today and direct to Milwaukee.

Are you going to lose your situation now that the Col. has come? We were afraid you were as you said there would not be as much to do. I hope you are not. Little Charlie says he is going to live with us while Uncle Charlie is gone so we can have a Charlie.

Ceal is going to write if there is any news I have not written she will write it.

With much love,

Sister, Sarah

Hudson, Wis. April 14, 1865

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, April 14, 1865
Hudson, Wis. April 14, 1865

No. 70

Dear Brother Jimmie,

Last night we received a letter from you, written at Paducah, [Ky]. I am glad if you like it better, that the change has been made. You think it will be healthier where you now are than at Nashville. I always supposed it was very unhealthy in Egypt, and as you are so near there I am afraid you may feel the effects of the unhealthy climate.

You say you have a cankered mouth. I don't believe you are much, if any, better than when you went away. I am afraid you will not be as well during the summer as you have this winter. I think you went away at the most favorable time for your health. I wish Charlie had gone in the fall instead of spring. I fear the summer will be hard for him. You will be much nearer Charlie now than you were before, although you may not be anymore likely to see him.

Your pressed flowers came safe. They are very pretty indeed; it is so long since I have seen a peach blossom that I hardly knew what it was. I wish peaches would ripen before you leave, so you could have some, but if your time is out or you are discharged before then, do not stay on that account however.

Father has just come from the office with a letter from each of our boys. I am very much surprised as well as pleased to get so many letters from Charlie. We have had four this week from him. In our letter today (which was written last Saturday) he says he has received but two letters since he left home, one from you and one from me. I hope he will get all of our letters. The one we had from him last night was written three weeks ago while at Madison. He says John Clay and four or five others are in the hospital, but thought John would be able to come back to camp next day.

I am really afraid your sleeping so cold and wet will make you sick. I hope [you] have a more comfortable sleeping place now. Miss [Charlotte] Mann, Palmer, Libbie and Ada [Andrews] visited here yesterday. Miss Mann said she was going to bring over her photographs today for me to pick out one for you; she has not done so yet. Perhaps she will so I can send it in this letter. Lib and Ada were in a little while this morning. You will miss Dr. Kercheval won't you? You and he seem to be such warm friends. It is a beautiful day -- like spring. Aunt Lydia [Comstock] is so she sits up some. I am afraid you will not get your socks and wrapper as they were sent to Nashville. Accept this with love and a kiss from

Sister Sarah

Hudson, Wis. April 9th, 1865

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, April 9, 1865
Hudson, Wis. April 9th, 1865

No. 68

Dear Brother Jimmie;

Our hearts were very much rejoiced last night by receiving a letter from both our soldier boys. It had been over a week since we had heard from Charlie. You can imagine we were feelng very solicitous about him. He wrote a short letter, he did not say anything about his journey to St. Louis. I think some of his letters must have been lost.

Jimmie we have glorious, glorious news today. Lee and his whole army is captured.

There is more noise in our quiet little town than was ever known before on Sunday. I hear the booming of the anvil. The band just passed drawn by a four horse team. There were other wagons which were filled [with] exultant
[p. 52]
people besides the usual number of small boys to bring up the rear.

They stopped in front of Mr. K[e]eley's and played a National air after which Mr. K[e]eley made a few remarks. I suppose they are excusable to celebrate today when we have such good news.

I think if this news is really so, you and Charley will soon be discharged. I can hardly wait for the time to come, but I think it is coming much quicker than I had thought it would.

Little Charlie sings "the boys will shout, the girls will all turn out, when Jimmie and Charlie come marching home."

We had a little snow storm this morning; it is somewhat warmer now. I think we will have pleasant weather again in a few days. Mother has been up to Aunt Lydia's all the afternoon, and just come back. She thinks Aunt a little better today. She was not as well this morning.

Your last letter, the one we received last night, was written two weeks ago today. Some time on the route.

Goodbye for this time. Write soon to,

Sarah

Hudson, Wis. Feb. 5th, 1865

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, February 5, 1865
Hudson, Wis. Feb. 5th, 1865

No. 49

My Dear Brother,

I feel much more in a mood for talking than writing this afternoon, and if you could just step in to your home a little while glady these writing materials would be thrown aside for a visit with you. How long the time would seem if we could not exchange thoughts in this silent way. It shortens the time of your absence very much to get your good letters, you have no idea how much we enjoy them. I suppose ours are ditto to you.

We received two yesterday. We had not had one since Tuesday, which seemed a long time, but not as long as you had to wait, you said in your last you had not had a letter for five days. There is one consolation you have that is that there is always some on the way to you, if the folks at home are able to write. Emory has just come in, is here now, he intends going to St. Paul tomorrow. I think Charlie will go with him. If Charlie goes he will probably be gone a week. Edward has sent word to him to come over and go up to Shakopee one trip with him.

Mary came home Friday night. The children seemed to enjoy the visit very much. Ada came over with them. She stayed up to Uncle John's, she seems to prefer staying there. She thinks a great deal of Libbie. Emory took Lib up to Stillwater yesterday afternoon. Mary went down to Mrs. Cowles yesterday. Mrs. Cowles said that Mell was going with some of the boys next week up to Richmond. Mary asked her what girls they were going to take. She said Mary Moffat, the Wilcox girls and Lib and they would stop for Ceal. Mary said, I suppose Sarah is too old to go in that company. Mrs. Cowles said yes, then she asked how old Lib is. Mary told her that she was between two and three years older than I. She was perfectly surprised. When Nell came in her mother asked her how old she thought Lib was. She said she did not know but guessed she was twenty-five. So much for my old looks.

I am very anxious for mother to go east next summer. I do hope she can. I wish she could go in the spring and stay all summer. Report says that Mattie Young is to be married tomorrow to a gentleman
[p. 40]
in Milwaukee. I don't remember the name. I wonder if it is not the gentleman I heard you speak or being here last summer, an agent from some house in Milwaukee. [Martha Young and Harry W. Goodrich were married Feb. 6, 1865. -- Ed.]

Mr. Humphrey, the minister, is just alive; he probably will not live but a few days. He has the consumption. I should have written with ink today but my back aches so that I find it easier to sit in the rocking chair. Charlie has concluded to go with Emory. He is going over home with him tonight. I'll leave as I want him to carry this to the office. Goodbye, with much love,

From Sarah.

Do you have any trouble reading my pencil scribblings? Remember me to Edwin Hughes, Frank, Dwight and Ira and Theo. and Kerr and all the rest except Joe Alexander.

Did you get the cake mother sent you? Would you like some more?

Hudson, Wis. Feb. 5th, 1865

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, February 5, 1865
Hudson, Wis. Feb. 5th, 1865

No. 49

My Dear Brother,

From Sarah.

Do you have any trouble reading my pencil scribblings? Remember me to Edwin Hughes, Frank, Dwight and Ira and Theo. and Kerr and all the rest except Joe Alexander.

Did you get the cake mother sent you? Would you like some more?

Hudson, Wis. Jan. 1st, 1865

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, January 1, 1865
Hudson, Wis. Jan. 1st, 1865

No. 35

Darling Brother,

A most Happy New Year to you. My own dear Jimmie, it hardly seems like "New Year's Day" to me it is so quiet. I have not been to church today, I was left alone this morning while the rest went.
[p. 35]
I intended to have gone this afternoon but there is to be no service, as Mr. Ke[e]ley is to preach the funeral sermon of Mrs. Duff, an aunt of Mrs. [H. S.] Clapp. They live down on the Kinnickinnic.

You have no idea what a delightful day it is. The sun is shining brightly. It does not thaw any, it is cold enough to be comfortable winter weather. Do you remember how piercing cold it was a year ago today? It makes me shiver to think of it. The weather has moderated some since then.

I suppose you are trying to enjoy wind and rain. Don't you think northern winters the pleasantest? It must be very hard for those that have to go on long marches. We or rather Ceal received a letter from you yesterday, it was written the 20th -- it was some time on the way.

Libbie and I called at Mrs. [Allan] Dawson's yesterday. The first thing she said after passing the compliment, was to inquire after you. She thinks some of going to Milwaukee with Mr. Dawson soon. I think she must be very lonely since Mrs. Thomson left. She does not go out but little and I think has but little company. She thought she and Mr. Dawson would go up to Uncle John's some evening this week.

I suppose you would be more interested in the young ladies of ours than in married ladies. I don't know anything about the girls. I meet them in the street occasionally. There was a party at the City Hotel last Wednesday evening. The Wilcox girls were there so I heard. Charlie Haman waited on one of them. I don't know who escorted the other. Will Coon invited Kitty, but she declined going. The Wilcox girls and Fred were up to Kitty's one evening last week. That is the extent of any knowledge in regards to the boys and girls. I seldom see Viola [Crowe]. I was in the book store the other day. Her father inquired about you. I told him you were for the present assisting the Dr. He said you would do first rate there. You see you can get a compliment from some of the family yet. Mrs. [W. H.] Crowe still holds forth there. I prefer if I have any purchases to make, to wait until her husband is there. I think he is certainly the better half in that case. I have just noticed that I have made a mistake in dating this letter.

Time flies so rapidly we hardly note its flight. We will soon get accustomed to write 1865, but hardly become used to it before we will have to add one more to it.

Mr. Coon and Bradford Jones have come home. They say they saw you, but that you have not improved in health as much as the others. Mr. Coon says that Ira is not contented. I thought he must be mistaken as you had never mentioned it. It is too bad if he is homesick as the time will seem so much longer. I presume any of you would prefer being at home though. I should think the rebels would be about discouraged we have had so many victories of late.

The news from [Gen. William] Sherman and [Gen. George H.] Thomas is glorious. This town is so destitute of news, and there
[p. 36]
does not anything happen in the family, and you know all the war news as well as I, and you have put a veto to our worrying about you (or at least saying anything about it) as this is the state of affairs, somehow I can't think of anything to write. Ceal has been reading this letter and making fun of it. Don't you. There is one consolation, if you do I shall not know it.

Miss [Charlotte] Mann has gone to St. Paul. She said Mrs. Dean was anxious for Ceal to come with her. Mark Fulton and wife start for Madison this week. He was elected to the Assembly this winter.

Remember me to the boys and wish them a happy "New Year" for me. What has become of Dwight? You have not said anything about him lately. How does Eleazer prosper? I don't believe Frank likes soldier's life. Does he? Ceal is writing to him today. I think I'll write a few lines if I get time. It is too bad he does not get more letters. Write as often as you can, the oftener the better.

Mother is writing yours.

With love,

Sarah E. Andrews

Hudson, Wis. March 19th 1865

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, March 19, 1865
Hudson, Wis. March 19th 1865

No. 60

Dear Brother Jimmie,

I am at last at home again under the parental roof, free from cares and anxieties of a pedagogue. And glad enough I am to be here once more.

My love for teaching does not so much engross my heart's best affections, but that there is a spark left for home and my soldier brothers which if carefully kindled may in time burn out all love for the employment (the fire need not be very brisk, nor the time very long either). I think if
[p. 48]
I should have to be shut up in school all the days of my life I should soon reach my "three score and ten years." I don't like to think of it, it gives me the headache.

I came home yesterday morning. I should liked to have come Friday night, but it snowed so hard all day. I did not get any opportunity to.

I can't write much of what has been transpiring during the past week, as I have not been a participant in the festivities. I presume you have been informed about them from one who has enjoyed them. I didn't care much about going to the donation until I came home and it was all over; but as every one that I hear speak of it say that they had such a pleasant time. I really wish I could have been there.

I think the two weeks that I have been gone have been the gayest time there has been this winter. I am glad on Ceal's account, I think she has enjoyed them. I hope this rest will do her a great deal of good.

Last evening we went up to Mr. Moffat's. I should liked to have your and Charlie's company. Mr. Coon and Fred were there.

We had a letter from Charlie yesterday, it was written at Milton Junction. He says he is very well, and that he has no cough; that he could have said that he had no cough for the last three months. He wrote a very good letter and quite a long one. He told us to direct his letters to Madison. I don't think you had better write to him until you know for certain his address. Mrs. Cowles said there was a telegram came for Mell the other day to make haste as the 48th reg. had been ordered to the front. I don't think they are sure of going in that reg. I can't hardly think they will be sent to the front, but will be sent to guard some points already taken. It would be cruel to put a new reg. into active service.

It was six months yesterday since you left home; your time is almost half up and Charlie's just begun. I hope the time will roll around rapidly and pleasantly to both of you.

Mr. K[e]eley is quite sick. He was not able to preach today, we had to go up to the Congregational church. It has been quite warm today. I think the snow will go off fast. There is a great deal of it. I guess we will have high water this spring. I was very happy to hear your mustache was in such a flourishing condition.

I guess (reckon) I shall have to close as it is almost dark and I have got to finish a letter to Charlie, it is most time for them to go to the office.

Write very soon and very often to Sister Sarah E. Andrews. All send love.

I send you 30 cts.

Hudson, Wis. March 22nd 1865

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, March 22, 1865
Hudson, Wis. March 22nd 1865

No. 61

Dear Brother Jimmie,

I do not think I could improve my time more worthy this beautiful morning than by writing to you and Charlie. It is perfectly lovely out, it is quite spring like. The walking is very bad but will not be long if it continues so warm.
[p. 49]

We had a letter from you Monday. We have not had one from Charlie since Saturday. I am in hopes we shall get one from both of you today. I wish I could tell you where to direct your letters to him. I think we shall know soon, as Fred had a letter from Mell yesterday. I do not know when it was written, he said they were to be sworn in the next day. Mell had been offered the captaincy, but refused. He is first lieutenant.

Libbie stayed here last night. She has just gone home. I am going up there this afternoon if I can get through the mud. I think I shall take my first lessons in chess. I want to learn so as to play with you when you come home.

Everything and everybody are very quiet. I have not been anywhere except over to Mary's this week, therefore the news is scarce, in fact I am not in the mood for writing. I suppose this will be acceptable if all you hear is that we are all well.

Excuse this blank letter and write very soon to your much attached

Sister, Sarah E. Andrews.

Emory has just been in; he saw Edward a few moments yesterday, he thinks of coming home soon. He has had that wen taken out of his face. We did not get a letter from Charlie today as we expected, but received one from you. Have you forgotten to tell me what that joke was about Lib?

January 7, 1866

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, January 7, 1866
Hudson, Wisconsin

January 7, 1866

My Dear Brother,

I do not know what to write. I haven't an idea worth putting on paper. It is Sunday. We have all been to church. I should like to go this evening, but am afraid it may be most too much for me.

What do you think of my going to Eau Claire this winter? I should like to go next week if I could get ready. If anything should happen that Ceal should go to Mich. perhaps it would be best for me not to go.

Our Literary Society is going to have a picnic supper next week. Each lady is to invite a gentleman. If you were here you should have an invitation. They are to have the usual exercises. I have not been since I was sick so they have had mercy upon me, and have not given me anything to do.

Jennie Holden was married New Year's morning to Mr. [Russell] Bunker, brother of the daguerrian artist. They went to Mr. K[e]eley's house to be married, and then started for St. Paul.

Mary attended a small party at Mrs. Evans Tuesday evening.

Mrs. Moffat called here the other day on her way up to Aunt Lydia's; she asked Mother and I to go, too.

Ceal went up to Mr. M. to stay with Mary.

Love to all,

Yours with affection

Sarah

I think you fared well for presents for Christmas.

June 10, 1866

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, June 10, 1866
Hudson, Wis.

June 10th, 1866

My Dear Brother Jimmie,

Again I take up my pen to write to you. Gladly would I give up this habit I have of writing to you once a week for a good talk with you. It is a habit I can soon leave off? You can answer the question better than I can. I wish you were going to be here this week. Mother is going away and will not be back before Friday or Saturday. Father and I are going to be alone. If you were here we would have a good visit all to ourselves.

I imagine you are somewhat curious to hear what mother is going to do with herself. The St. Croix Valley Baptist Assn. meets at Osceola Wednesday and Thursday. She and Aunt Lydia intend going up tomorrow. They are going to Mr. Clough's. The last of the week they will go up to Taylors
[p. 65]
Falls. I should like to take that trip again. Mother and I were planning the other day a trip to Minneapolis and Minnehaha when you and Charlie come home. Will you agree to it? We received a letter from Charlie last evening, they were still at Fort Rice. It is too bad they have to remain there so long. I'll copy it.

May 18th.

Dear Sister,

I just take up my pen to let you know we are all well, and in hopes to get out of here some time.

Fifteen boats have passed here, and fifty more then the relief maybe.

I neglected writing last week for the reason that I was not at home. I with five of our Company went to Berthold as an escort. We will leave here about the middle of next month, not before. In haste for the mail leaves here tonight.

C. A. A.

Fort Rice. D. T.

Mrs. Cowles also had a letter from Mell. He said they were expecting to be relieved every day. I am sorry we did not write to Charley longer. It would be of no use to write now as he will, I hope, be home before a letter could reach Fort Rice.
[p. 66]

You ask how far the fire went up Second street. It did not go above the National Bank on the west side or above Mr. Rickards house on the east. You asked if it burned C. R. Coon's house. He does not live here, has gone to Chicago. He sold last fall to H. S. Clapp. The P. O. was yesterday moved into Mr. Clapp's barn. It has been fixed up. The chamber is to be used as an office. Rugg has commenced moving the Sec. Methodist church on to Sec. street. Fred Goss lives in that house where Edwin Otis used to live, next to Mr. North's; all those houses on that side of the street were more or less injured. Mr. Evans lives in the Northrup house, has bought it. Durr. Richardson lived over Darling's store. Mr. Darling has a rough looking store. The Stone walls to those three stores were not much injured. Mr. Darling has put a shed roof over his and put in some shelves. I should think it was real California style.

The garden does not look as well as usual as no one has any time to see to it. It is not all made. It has been very dry indeed for a long time until the past week we have had some hard rain storms. Ceal has not been home for two weeks. She went up to Richmond last week Saturday. We looked for her yesterday.

With love and affection,

Sarah.

June 21, 1865

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, June 21, 1865
Hudson, Wis.

Wednesday Eve.

June 21, 1865

No. 88

Dear Brother,

I am all alone this evening, our people have all gone to prayermeeting. I will pass the time by writing to you. You wonder why I too am not at the meeting. I was afraid I might take cold in my face if I went.

I do not know as you will believe me for I can hardly believe it myself. I actually had all my decayed teeth out yesterday, only eight. Wasn't I brave? I have not felt as well for some time as I have today. Your friend Dr. Nichols took them out. Have you ever had that tooth taken out you were talking about having out last fall?

I went down town today, and went into Ruggs. He asked me when I heard from Jim. I told him I never heard from him. If he meant Jimmie, I heard from him today. Someone then asked about Charlie. Mr. Rugg wanted to know who he was, if he was the brother that was home a short time ago. I told him he was the brother he was trying so hard to get as a substitute last winter.

Lavett Clapp is in town, she is only going to make a short visit. She does not look as pretty as she used to.

Our folks came from church before I had finished writing so I left this 'til this morning. We are as hard at work as we can be getting mother ready. I have not been able to do much for more than a week. I think now I shall feel more like work and we shall get her ready soon.

Mary got to her journey's end in safety and found Harriett well. Little Charlie is as good as he can be. Mother and I are invited to Mrs. Merritt's this afternoon. It has been very cold all the week, but is getting a little
[p. 62]
warmer, still a fire is not uncomfortable.

Your letter came yesterday all safe with the script.

I must leave you to write to Charlie. We have not heard from him for more than a week. Goodbye. Excuse great haste.

Sarah E. Andrews.

Remember me to Frank and Ira. The fifty dollars have arrived.

June 25, 1865

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, June 25, 1865
Hudson, Wis.

June 25th

No. 89

Dear Brother,

I feel as if you and Charlie had been very much neglected of late, you know how very busy we have been. I am in hopes when Mother gets started we shall get somewhat rested and will feel more in the spirit of writing. I do not feel as well as I thought I should -- perhaps when my mouth gets well I shall be better. I heard the other day the 44th Reg. was in Madison waiting to be mustered out. I did not believe it although I should have liked to. It will be nine months Tuesday since you were mustered in. If Uncle Sam does not let you come home before your time is out, he can not keep you but three months longer.

Frank Comstock is here (Uncle Luther's boy) -- perhaps you remember when you were a little boy his mother having him at our house, his lying on the floor kicking and screaming. You left the room very quietly and soon came back with a stick and handed it to his mother.

He is talking of going into the printing office. Charlie seems to be very contented without his Mother and Nellie. He is a very good boy. We had two letters from Charlie Friday. He says he thinks they will stay there all summer. He wants to.

From Sister Sarah

June 4, 1865

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, June 4, 1865
Hudson, Wis. June 4, 1865

No. 85

Dear Brother,

Again am I seated to pen a few lines to my soldier brother. I hope soon you will be at home again, and this dull monotonous (to you) style of conversation will give place to good old fashioned talks. When the title of soldier will be among the things of the past, and the army blue is cast aside for the more becoming dress of the citizen, and you are no longer one of Uncle Sam's boys but one of the home boys. I was in hopes by this time he would have given up his claims upon you, but he seems inclined to keep you a while longer.

We had a fine shower this morning which has made everything
[p. 60]
beautiful. I wish you were here to enjoy our garden. The roses are just beginning to "ope their petals."

Mary [Andrews Chambers] is thinking of going out to Eau Claire the last of this week. I think she will leave one of the children at home.

We received two letters from you yesterday. So you wanted to go to teaching the contrabands. I
[p. 61]
thought you were the boy that never wanted and never was going to teach again. Perhaps the Col. had heard of your dislike for teaching. I should think you would much prefer staying where you are than to teach those young ideas the first rudiments of shooting.

Do you suppose Mr. Kenessy of St. Josephs has written to the Chaplain how much you were liked as a teacher? Maggie Hosford engaged that school for the summer; when she went up there she found they wanted her for six months instead of three so she would not stay. They told her if they could get you to take the school they would give you fifty dollars a month more than they did give you.

Susie and Harry Isman have just come in to read to our little blind boy.

I have got a new bonnet. Straw trimmed with green ribbon, pink flowers, and black lace, with pink string. I think it is very pretty. It is a change from my blue trimmings. With love.

Sarah

We have not had a letter from Charlie since Thursday. I am glad he is not as far south this warm weather as St. Louis.

March 24, 1865

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, March 24, 1865
Hudson, Wis.

March 24th No. 62

Dear Brother Jimmie,

We were disappointed today in not getting a letter from you. I really thought we should get one but are doomed to wait another day. I had a letter from Charlie today, he had just been examined, but did not know whether he was accepted, he did not know yet what regiment they should go in but thought the 50th.

Elmer was just coming down with the mumps. I am glad Charlie had them before he left home. I did not suppose before he had them that anyone could be so sick with them.

Charlie said in his letter today we had better not write to him until we know to what reg. he is assigned, but I shall write again today. He has had two letters sent to Milwaukee which I presume he will not get. I think the poor boy will be very lonely. I do hope he will be able to resist the temptations which will surround him. I hope you will write to him often when you know where to direct your letters. I think you will.

It is a beautiful day, I think the walking will soon be good. Lib and I have been down town this morning, we saw Fred. Lib is going to teach him to play chess.

Hudson is becoming quite literary. The ladies (that is about thirty ladies) have organized a club for mutual improvement similar to the Irving club; all are expected to take part.

I have got to have a recitation
[p. 50]
in three weeks. I think the essays will be the worst. I fear there will be some shrinking from duty, don't you pity us. Miss Mann is going to get up an exhibition, the proceeds to go to the Sanitary Fair or the Soldiers Home in Milwaukee. I don't know which, you will know as you sent her the circular of one of them. She says she is anxious to do something because you wished it. I have just started Mother off up to Aunt Lydia's. I have been teasing her to go ever since I commenced writing. Mary and Mrs. Cowles are up there. I think if Mother would go out more she would feel better.

I must get Charlie's letter written before tea so it can go to the office tonight, therefore goodbye for this time. Yours with ever so much love I remain your Sister

Sarah E. Andrews.

You speak as if my copying that poetry for you must have been a great trouble. You must not think so. I am very glad to do all I can for you.

May 14, 1865

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, May 14, 1865
May 14, 1865

No. 79

Dear Brother Jimmie,

I was quite surprised today upon looking at my books, to see that I had not written to either of my soldier boys for a week. I believe I did though put in a few lines in Ceal's letter. I ought to have written again and should have done so, but as usual our work is behind and we do not seem to accomplish much if we work ever so hard. It seems as if with such a small family as we have that we ought not to have much to do. I am beginning to think if I was keeping house all alone by myself that I should always be hurried so I think I shall not try it.

It is a most lovely Sabbath day, a little warmer than it has been so that it is comfortable in a room without a fire. We have had a very cold spring; it is now very dry. The people are beginning to think it is going to be as dry as the two last seasons. The lake is receding fast.

We have been down to the water again today to witness the ordinance of baptism. Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Darling were baptized. Mr. K[e]eley makes the ceremony very impressive.

It is three months today since Charlie enlisted. I hope we will see him home again before another three months. We had been feeling unusually solicitous about him as we did not get any letters from him, nor Mrs. Cowles from Mell. We have not had one yet, but Mrs. Cowles has. They have gone up the Missouri about three hundred miles. They were all well. I think we shall get a letter tomorrow. I noticed in the Thursday paper that all soldiers who had enlisted for one year were to be discharged immediately. I hope the order will not be countermanded.

Mary Moffat, Ceal and myself visited at Aunt Lydia's yesterday. When Uncle John came up he gave Aunt Lydia a letter from you which we all had the pleasure of reading. Mary Moffat said she had
[p. 57]
a letter from you the other day. I hope by this time you are enjoying that box of things we sent you -- it is time you should have them.

With love,

Sarah

May 19, 1865

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, May 19, 1865
Hudson, Wis., May 19, 1865

No. 80

Dear Jimmie,

I was very much pleased today in getting a letter from you, but was disappointed in not receiving one from Charlie. In his last he said he had written two letters home since he went up the Missouri; but we have received but one. He is where he does not get ours very regularly if he does at all.

We were very much pleased this week to receive a visit from Edward; the only fault I found with it, it was too short. We were not aware that he was so miserable after he was wounded until Emory told us this winter; he said he was hardly able to be up at that time. It is only until about a year since he has been able to do anything. He had to pay a hundred and fifty dollars bill at the time he was hurt besides losing his watch worth another hundred and fifty and eighty dollars in money. This spring he had to pay over a hundred when he had a tumor taken from his face. He has had bad luck. I feel sorry for him. I wish he would come home often. I think you had better write to him a good long letter, it would cheer him. He says direct his letters to Shakopee, Scott Co.

Mother and Mary are visiting at Aunt Lydia's this afternoon. Father is going to tea. All of Mr. Moffat's people are there, Mr. K[e]eley's, Dr. [Lorenzo] Hendees and old Mrs. Brown. Mrs. [S. H.] Clough is spending the week there.

Yesterday Libbie, Mary, Ceal and myself visited at Mrs. Dawson's. We had a very pleasant visit. I wish you had been there. Aren't you coming home soon to wait upon your sisters. I wish you could come before Libbie goes home, she would like so much to see you. I imagine it was something in regard to coming home, that you thought you had better not write until another time.

I was in Richardson's this afternoon. They are receiving their new goods. Durr said he wished you would come home, as they needed you. They seemed to be very busy. It is almost six and I have got to get supper and I want to write to Charlie, and at seven the "Margaret Fuller Association" meets.

So goodbye for this time.

With love, Sarah.

Those flowers are perfectly beautiful. I wish you could get some of the seed.

May 28, 1865

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, May 28, 1865
Hudson, Wis. May 28, 1865

No. 83

Dear Jimmie,

It is a very warm day, one of the warmest days we have had this spring, it is a real summer day. Yet for all that you shall have a letter today. I did not write but twice last week.

Our time seemed to be a good deal taken up in trying to accomplish a great deal of sewing and visiting. I have got so completely tired out that I thought I would not go to church today. I am not entirely alone, Ada is here but I have excused myself to her for the sake of conversing with you a short time. If we have been visiting this week you will be interested in knowing where my last letter was written Thursday so I will begin there.

Thursday afternoon we visited at Mr. Moffat's, we had a very pleasant visit indeed. Mr. Coon and Brown were there to take tea with us. We stayed until eleven. As we were getting ready to come home the gentlemen asked us if we had any engagement the next morning, if we had not they would like to have us go up to Willow River Falls. We had not, so the next morning at nine o'clock we started -- Lib, Ceal, Mary Moffat, myself and the above mentioned gentlemen.
[p. 59]

We went in that three-seated carriage at the livery. We had one of the grandest of times, and ever so much fun. Lib thought that what one could not think of funny, another was sure to. Libbie was very much pleased with the scenery about the falls. She is very anxious to go to the Kinnickinnic falls and the monument before she goes home, but cannot as she intends going Tuesday.

Yesterday we were invited to Mrs. Rugg's to tea and to Mrs. Dawson's to spend the evening. I did not enjoy either visit as much as I should if I had not been so thoroughly tired out from the trip the day before. Mr. Coon and Mr. Brown were there in the evening. There were other gentlemen invited but as there was a steamboat ride up to Stillwater they did not come. We should have gone up to Stillwater if we had not been previously invited to Mrs. Dawson's. You see we have been going most of the time for the past week. Expect after Lib goes we shall settle down into a dull monotony. We shall have to go to work hard to get Mother ready. I hope we can get her started in the course of three weeks.

James Mann died yesterday morning of lung fever; he is to be buried this afternoon. Mrs. [D.] Lucas died last night quite suddenly. I believe she had the lung fever. There was a meeting here the other night to take measures to have a telegraph here. I have not heard what was the result of the meeting.

We received a letter from you and Charlie yesterday. Charlie is well, he did not say anything about coming home. Mrs. Cowles had one from Mell, he said he thought they would be home soon, but that Charlie did not want to come.

Our yard is beginning to look very fine. We have had so much rain. I think it will look better than it did last summer, although it is not as forward as it was at this time last spring. The night Stella Hatch was married, which was a year last Thursday, our lilacs were in full bloom. They are now just beginning to blossom.

Write soon and often to

Sister Sarah.

All send love.

Remember me to your friends. When you write to Mary Moffat tease her about Mr. Brown. Don't tell her where you heard about him.

October 14, 1864

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, October 14, 1864
Friday eve. Oct. 14th, 1864

No. 7th

Dear Brother Jimmie,

Here I am seated again this evening ready to write you another letter. The second today. Perhaps you will find it wearisome to read so many. Mary says you may if I write long ones; but I think not, I imagine they will be too welcome to be considered a burden.

We all feel very bad that you did not get more letters while in Madison. You must have got more than one before you left. Mother and Mary keep up such an incessant talking that I can hardly write. If you should not find much connection to this epistle you must consider that I am not wholly to blame.

I went to the P. O. this afternoon to get a letter from you, but had to come home without one. Mr. [T. S.] Seymour's people had one from Ira written on Sunday. He said that you would leave for Nashville the next day.
[p. 13]

Now while I write you are far, far away from your peaceful home and those who love you Jimmie. Yes, far away midst the din and strife of war. I never half realized before what war is. I wish that our armies might be so victorious that the rebels would gladly lay down their arms and that right speedily, then you could come home again; and the thousands of others who are away from the comforts of home.

I am afraid that you may not be as comfortable now as you were while in Madison. You may find it more difficult to buy what you need in Nashville than you did in your own state, but do not suffer for those comforts that you can buy. You must write to us just how you are situated, what the Government furnished you. Have you good woolen stockings and under clothing and good boots? Do take the best care of yourself. If you have to be out on guard protect yourself well. You know that you are not strong and exposure may make you sick.

I left this letter unfinished last night and shall have to hasten to get it to the office in time so I have left everything to finish it.

I went out yesterday afternoon to make some calls. I suppose you are interested in that. Well first I called at Mrs. [S. A.] Clewell's, then at Mrs. Dexters. There I found Mrs. Elwell. She said that they were going away in about two weeks. They are boarding at the City Hotel.

Then I went to Mrs. Evans, had a very pleasant call. I was intending to call on Mrs. Knight but found her at Mrs. Evans. They are going away from here she said, Mr. Knight thought that he could do better somewhere else. They leave next Monday. She is very anxious to see Ceal before she leaves. I told her that we should look for her home tonight and if she came she would go down Monday morning and see her. I hope she will come today as it is pleasant and we may not have much more pleasant weather.

I saw Aunt Lydia last evening and she said when Ada invited Lib to go over there they intended to go to St. Paul. They were going yesterday. I suppose of course that they could not take the fourth one with them and that was probably the reason why I was not invited. I am glad they did not for I think that it would have been taxing Emory too much. Ada told them up to Aunt Lydia's that I had so much to do this week I could not go and next week was the Institute and of course I could not go then, and if they put off going until the week after it was going to make it so late that they thought they had better not wait. The joke of it was she did not say anything to me about it nor any of the family, neither did we say anything to her about having much to do. When you write to her do not mention what I have said, for I do not care anything for it. I merely wrote to you of it for I thought it was quite a laughable excuse.

Augusta Fulton called here yesterday. She said the night before Fred Burhyte was very sick, he had had a tooth out and one
[p. 14]
cleaned, ready to fill. He was in such pain for a while they thought he would die, they sent for the doctor; he pulled the other tooth and in a little while he got better. His father is getting better.

Mr. [D. W.?] Armstrong's people are moving into their house. Mr. [G. I.] Ap Roberts' family have gone to River Falls to live.

I am sorry that we did not write more to you while you were in Madison, but you know we did not know your address at first. We mean to send you three or four letters every week now, perhaps more, for you must be lonely.

Mother sends love, and says that she wishes she could see her Jimmie this pleasant morning. Nellie says tell Jimmie that she was glad to get that paper. Write soon and write everything to Sister Sarah.

If I should be too particular about writing of everything you must excuse me, for I thought you wanted to hear all.

October 22, 1864

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, October 22, 1864
[From Hudson to Camp Randall]

Saturday morn.

Oct. 22nd [1864]

10th letter

Darling brother Jimmie.

I intended according to my promise to have written to you yesterday, but the Institute and our company took up so much of my time that I could not find a spare moment to write to you until after the mail went out yesterday. Now I must hasten to get this letter to the office before the mail leaves.

Ceal [Andrews] intended to have kept her promise to write every week and would have done so if it had not been for the examination, which commenced yesterday afternoon and continues through today. She had to go to the school house at eight o'clock this morning. She will have a fine chance to get pretty well tired out before night as Mr. Welds[?] intends keeping them all day. She said that she would write tomorrow and again during the week.
[p. 18]

Perhaps it will be just as well that she does not write this week for if she should it would have to be directed to Madison. I am almost afraid that you will not get any of the letters that are sent there.

We are looking for a letter from you today which if we should get we would know your address. I wish that you could come in and see us this morning even if but for a short time. We are all so very lonely without you. We miss you everywhere.

Cousin Libbie often says "I do wish Cousin Jimmie was here; how I do want to see him." When I see any of the girls they always inquire when we hear from Jimmie. I do wish that you were home again.

It seems as if you had been gone such a long long time. Does not the time seem long to you? The box of things you sent to Mr. [A. D.] Richardson has come. We will take good care of your clothes. I am afraid you will need the blanket. You ought to have kept it. Was the freight paid before it was sent. Mr. Richardson thought that it was. We expected to have paid it.

How do you get along about money? Did you receive any of your pay or bounty money before leaving the state? I am sorry that you could not have got that draft before you left. I fear if you should get it now you could not use it. Write about it.

Charlie went up to see Father this week and walked back yesterday. Father is not coming home for two weeks; he has been gone a long time. He left the next morning after you did. Charlie bought a pair of buckskin gloves at [New] Richmond for two sixty. Rather cheaper than they can be got here. I wish you had a pair.

Are you well supplied with everything to make you comfortable? Did you get any boots before you left Madison? Do not neglect yourself. You will be just as liable to take cold in a warmer climate as you would here.

Mell Cowles has not come yet. His mother received a letter from him yesterday, he was still in Milwaukee waiting to be discharged. The papers were made out once, were wrong, so he will have to wait two weeks longer. It seems to take a longer time to get out of the army than to get in. I wish that you too were coming home.

I heard last evening that Mr. Green[e] had received a letter from Garry. The report that he was dead was false. He was getting better and wrote to his Father for money.

Mrs. Smith of Richmond (Ceba's sister) has lost one of her little girls. She was burnt to death. I did not hear how.

Mother has just been making some fried cakes; she says she wishes you had some. I suppose you have to dispense with cake entirely. Do you get good food and plenty of it? We think of you when we sit down to the table.

We all went over to the Institute yesterday. Mary [Andrews Chambers] left the children to take care of themselves; after doing all the mischief they could over home and here they went into Mr. Clay's garden to play. Mrs. Hosford after a while heard Charlie
[p. 19]
[Chambers] calling to Nellie [Chambers] that he could get down in the well. He was then hanging inside of the curb. Probably would have gone to the bottom if she had not heard him.

Lib and I went up to Mr. Seymour's a little while yesterday afternoon; they are all well. All send love to Jimmie, and are very impatient to hear from you. I presume you will write as often as you can to your Sister Sarah and all the rest.

Remember me to all your friends.

October 23, 1864

Hudson, St. Croix Co

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, October 23, 1864
Hudson, St. Croix Co.

Oct. 23rd [1864]

11th letter.

Dear Brother Jimmie,

Ceal and I have seated ourselves this Sabbath afternoon to have another quiet chat with our bold Soldier boy.

How much I would like to get a pass into camp and make him a visit. I would give anything to look in upon him if but for a moment. I presume we would be very welcome. I imagine you pass some lonely hours. Do you find anything that is congenial to your tastes in such a life? I do wish that you were home again. We are so lonely without you. It hardly seems like home since you went away, but for one long year your chair will be vacant in the family circle. There will be one absent one. One gone from our number to try the fortunes of war. May Guardian Angels hover near you by day and night, may a kind God be your shield in the hour of danger, protect you and preserve your health. In the time of trial and temptation ever look to Him for guidance. You are no doubt surrounded by much that is evil. But Jimmie, ever stand by the right. Be firm, I do not fear that you will be led into temptation still I would have you watch and pray that you may resist the tempter in whatever form he may come.

We have all been to church today and heard a good sermon. There was somewhat larger congregation than usual although the house was not filled; Mary took the children. Little Charlie has not improved in his behavior at church. He generally is a pretty good boy in other places. But at church he is a perfect little witch. His Uncle Charlie thinks he would like to have him under his care a while, he would train him up in the way he should go.

We were very much disappointed yesterday not to receive any letters from you. We certainly thought we would get one. We were not the only ones that were disappointed, Permelia said she expected one from you yesterday which if she got she would come in and let us know as we did not get one. She did not call therefore I suppose she received no letter from you. We are waiting anxiously for the mail tomorrow. Mattie Young said she too was expecting a letter from Theo. I saw Fred yesterday, he said he had commenced a letter to you but was waiting to hear your address. I will let him know it when we hear from you again. I never saw him look so sad and sober. He probably feels his Father's death very much. I was interrupted a few moments ago by Mell Cowles going into Mary's. We all ran over there to see him. He looks more
[p. 20]
healthy than when he went away and more as Hale did. He said that he just missed of seeing you in Milwaukee. He was very sorry not to see you. Mell says in their Reg. they always had the real coffee. Perhaps you may get better now than you did in Madison. If you do not, do not drink such poor stuff as you had to while there. I am afraid it will make you sick. You must be very careful of yourself. If you are furnished with poor rations do not use them if you are where you can buy any better. I wish we could send you something from home.

I have made you a pin cushion which I will send when we hear from you. I got some coarse needles I will send at the same time. If you were going to remain in Nashville I would make you a larger needle book and send by mail. Whenever I write to you on Sunday I have to make an apology
[p. 21]
for not doing better, that I do not feel very well. I shall have to have the same excuse today.

This morning as I was drawing water from the cistern part of the handle came off, the crank hit my hand or the fore finger of my right hand; judging from the feeling I should think it came near breaking it. It has made me feel badly all day. I find it hard work to write but by keeping my finger straight I get along very well. Mother would have written to you today, but she is afraid you will not get these that are directed to Madison. She will write as soon as we hear from you. I hope you will get all our letters, I am going to number mine. I will put the number under the date. You may not find it convenient to do so. I do it so that you may know if any are lost. I hope they will not be as it would be a pity to have such valuable productions lost. I would advise you if you should ever receive them to destroy them after they have been read as they might fall into the hands of someone who would take a copy from them and present them to the world as their own composition when in reality the original writer is Sarah Andrews.

I gave Aggie one of your photographs. Maggie wanted one, too. I said that one was for both. It did not seem to satisfy her so I gave her one of the old ones which pleased her very much as she had one all to herself and half of Aggie's. Aggie thinks of having some taken, if she does she will send you one.

Frank Brown came in here the other night just to inquire if we had heard from Jimmie lately and how he was.

Ceal says that she will write to you again this week, she wrote last Thursday. Mother sends a great deal of love. She wants you to take good care of yourself.

Write about the draft if you get it or if you do not; and write about everything interesting. It is getting late and I am afraid this will be too late for the mail so I will leave, but will write again soon. Yours with ever so much love

Sarah Andrews

It would be a good idea for you to save the paper we put around your letters for if you should be where you could not get any it would do to write upon.

October 9, 1864

Hudson, Wisconsin

Dear Brother Jimmie,

I have just come from church, and feel somewhat tired, as I got up this morning with a headache but the first thing I will do will be to write you a few lines.

I will make some apologies before I begin my letter. You may expect a dull letter this time for my head does not feel any better than it did this morning. You know that as I generally do send you such good letters you will feel bound to excuse this. I do not believe in making apologies and as I see that I have made rather blundering work of it, I'll give it up.

I received a letter from you yesterday and glad indeed I was to get it. We had not heard from you since Monday. It seemed a long time to all of us, we feel so anxious about you.

I heard today that your company when they went down on the boat were used shamefully. You have never written anything about it. Is it true? I want you should write us everything how you are treated. What you have to eat -- I have heard that you did not have much to eat. I hope while you are in a land of plenty you will buy yourself whatever you need in the way of fruit and other good things.

I have not yet got that draft but will before I send this. I am glad you sent for it. I am ever so much obliged for my present but I think that I had better not use it. I would much rather that it would be left for you. I shall think just as much of it as if I used it.

You had better not send that blanket home -- you will need it very much this winter. The government furnish such poor ones. You must be sure and dress warm. You had better have you some flannel undershirts and drawers and plenty of good woolen stockings. We may have a cold winter and you will have to be out so much that you may get cold. You cannot dress too warm.

You said in your letter that the people from Hammond and the Irish had it all their own way in the election of officers. Are there any Irish that have got into office? If so it is a perfect shame. But cannot be helped now.

You must try and please and always obey orders. I do hope that you can get into some easy position. Has the Captain a clerk? Is not that James Wilson Lieutenant?

The Fair came off last week according to Programme (and as Ceal says of their times at Eau Claire) it was a gay time and nobody to it. It was the poorest affair of the kind I ever attended. I was ashamed to have strangers
[p. 8]
see what a miserable thing could be got up here. There were some fine vegetables there. The cattle and horses looked swell. I liked the trotting as well as anything. If the premium list is published will send it to you.

Emory took Lib and I along side the other day, we went all around the suburb of the city. The wind blew so hard we did not enjoy it as much as we would. Emory wants Lib to go over there this week andmake them a visit. Lib says tell you that she wants to see you ever and ever so much. I wish that you were here to visit with her.

Aunt Lydia visited us all up there Friday and Mr. Seymour's people. Mr. Seymour has a nephew here from the Sandwich Islands, a very pleasant young gentleman. He leaves tomorrow and also Mrs. Thomson (Mr. S. sister), she intends spending the winter in Minneapolis.

I left this letter and wrote to Ceal. I had written to her that she had better come home the first of this week but as they are going to have a Mush and Milk festival there this week and some other doings she wants to visit until the last of the week, so I have written to her that she can stay until a week from yesterday.

As the Teachers' Institute is next week I think that she had better come. Mr. Richardson has come home. I have not seen him but have heard that he did not go to Madison. I am sorry he did not, it would have been so pleasant for you to have seen some of the Hudson people and for us someone that had seen you.

Mrs. Thomson and family are going to Milwaukee to spend the winter. I am very sorry to have them go. She told me that she thought she should go to Madison to see her brother, Tom; if she did she should certainly go and see you. I hope she will. Mr. [T. E.] Keeley called the other day. He said when we wrote to you to give you his regards. He expects his wife this week. Mr. Gross came in to the Sabbath School today and made a few remarks. He preached at the Methodist Church today. He wants to get a school this winter as his health is so poor he thinks he had better not preach for a while.

We had a letter from Father today, he did not say anything about coming home.

Mrs. Cowles is looking for Mell every day. Mr. and Mrs. Betheond, the railroad man, have been stopping at Uncle John's, she came down here with Lib to go up to the Fair with us. She is one of the greatest talkers you ever heard. She talks as fast as we thought Mr. [H. C.] Baker's sister did. She says if the railroad is built they will come here to live.

Where is Dwight Barnett from? Do you like Theodore as well as you did? Frank does not mean to do anything wrong, does he? Is not it all in fun, but he should not carry his jokes so far. How does Ira get along? Are you and he friendly? Try hard to be friends with all. You are away from home and may need some friendly care sometime. I know you will be kind to all.

Write just as often as you can. Mother worries if she does not
[p. 9]
get a letter very often. We are all very lonely without you. You must take good care of yourself. If you should be sick be sure and have someone write. With a kiss and ever so much love, I will leave you.

Charlie heard a few moments ago that Sam Sturtevant and James Brayton were in town I have not seen Aggie since you left so she has not got your photograph. I think Maggie is staying up to Dr. [W. H.] Cavin's as I see her pass every day to school from that direction.

From Sister Sarah

I have not heard any bear stories since you went away until Friday morning there was a report that there were three large bears up near the Fair grounds. The report proved to be false. I do not know how the story started. Mrs. [J. S.] Moffat and Mary were out to church today with their new cloaks. Emma Searls is getting better.

September 17, 1865

Letter from Sarah E. Andrews to James A. Andrews, September 17, 1865
Hudson, Wis.

Sept. 17, 1865

Dear Brother Jimmie,

One year tomorrow morning you bade the home circle adieu to go forth and fight the battles of our country.

There have been changes since then, yes changes in that home circle, but let us lift up our hearts in gratitude that death has not entered our midst and taken one of our number.

Our number of eight is scattered in five different states and territories. The youngest near the head waters of the Missouri, shut off from nearly all communication with his friends. He was eighteen yesterday. Very young to encounter the hardships of the life to which he is destined this winter and spring. I imagine you do not know much of the reality of war and privation to what he will. We have not heard from him for over two weeks. Do you write to him often? I hope you do. It will be such a satisfaction to him if he should ever get his letters.

It is cold today. If it continues growing cold I do not know but it will be as cold as it was the day you left home; although it looks very pleasant out indeed, and probably is warm in the sun. Here I sit in the front chamber south, the windows all down and a thick sack on, and still I feel almost inclined to shiver. I have just heard of the death of Edwin Otis' youngest child. It had diphtheria. They lost one last winter with the same disease.

Did Mother write to you that they thought of sending for Ceal to go to Pontiac and take one of the schools. As they have not sent I fear they have given it up. She is very much disappointed. I think it would do her much good to get away from the sight of St. Croix County for a season. I do not know what I should do without her. I think if the boys were only at home it would not be very lonely.

How soon do you think you will come home? Did I write you that Mr. Burhyte said he had been very anxious for you to get home as he wanted you. He has another clerk now. Fred says they are going to have a larger stock of goods this fall than they had in the spring. They had a much larger stock than any of the other merchants.

Will Coon returned this past week with his bride. I have not seen him. He told Father they saw Libbie. She brought them a very nice lunch. I presume she enjoyed it very much, as she was so anxious to see his wife. (He has become so much in the habit of spending his Sabbath evenings
[p. 64]
here I suppose he cannot leave off such a long continued habit. He will probably be here this evening.)

I thought before I commenced writing that you might consider yourself fortunate if you had a letter written only on the first pages as I do not feel very well today. I have a headache and have been having a stiff neck. It is somewhat stiff yet, but I see I have got on the fourth page. I must leave you now as I want to write to Charlie.

With much love, goodbye,

Sister Sarah Andrews

Don't tell Mother I have a headache. She will worry.

Letters from Samuel T. Cassatt

The following text is that of eleven Union letters, in dated order, by Samuel T. Cassatt to his friend, John Nicholas Boyer. The writer does not end sentences, and to preserve his written form all spellings, capitalizations and punctuation are as they appeared in the original letters.

Text within parenthesis is for clarification or explanation and was not in the originals.