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
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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