September 17, 1865

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
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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.