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
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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