New York. Oct 12th /64
Dear Lilian
No letter from you
since Monday they have been
almost such a daily occurrence
lately that I was fast being
spoiled so that two days seems
a long interim.
We are longing for tomorrows
news with regard to the st
Pennsylvania election; the dem–
ocrats claim a mojority of
twelve thousand over last year
which without the army would
not carry the state. Isn’t it
splendid about Indianna? We’ll
have a better country yet
than the sun ever shone on.
Did you see that article from
the Richmond Enquirer saying
the reserves of white men were
army absent without leave, and
nothing remained but to enlist
the slaves. Men cannot be soldiers
without being free, and to ask
a black man to fight to sustain
slavery was out of the question.
I am glad they see what’s what.
A returned officer from
Andersonville almost insane for
want of proper treatment was
tak received good care at Annap
olis and came to Genl. Dix to
reenlist. The Genl. told him he
thought he was not strong enough,
and men were obliged to enlist
for four years. Raising his
hands he said “Four years or
the war, so help me God,” and
has gone to Kentucky to raise
a regiment.
I heard of an officer from
Charleston who said receivedbetter treatment there than
any where else.
Edward received a note from
Mrs. John Forbes a day or
two ago saying “Will is
expected home by every
steamer” and may report to
Genl. Dix.
Edward is pouring over a new
military Dictionary looking as
absorbed &c. as possible.
My dear child is n’t it lovely
about Auntie Maria! It seems
so funny I should have been
the first person to tell you.
She had some trouble after the
first few days, and has had
to give up nursing the baby,
but if she can only keep it
and not die herself it will
be almost too lovely. Aunt Susie
and says she shall be almost
jealous of Auntie when she
is strong enough to hold it.
Why Auntie sits up to have
her bed made and is just
as energetic about planning
for things as when she is
well. The baby weighed
eleven pounds. I had a very
ecstatic letter from Eva about
him. Yes he was to have
been Susie but its no matter.
Jamie says he will probably
be named Robert for one
of Uncle John’s pet nephews.
Think of having a Jack
& a Rob in the same family.
I am going to have Jamie
& Harry spend Thanksgiving
week with me – won’t that
be jolly.
Your loving