Letter: Roger Farquhar to Carrie Farquhar, September 28, 1868

2021.0006. 00030 1-1

Copy

Rock Spring Sep 28th 1868

My dear Wife (in Alexandria; her firstborn would arrive a week later)

I believe there was no promise made thee about my writing, but as it is thee I will not take an advantage of thee in this way, if thee will excuse a short letter and not think that I do not love thee or that I have the blues, neither of which is the case.

I called at Mr. Bailey's yesterday and brought Ellen up to Olney. Miss Nellie scolded very much about her leaving and I did not blame her as she would be left entirely alone. Ellen made herself very agreeable and except for the thought that I was leaving thee behind we had a very pleasant ride up. Got to Olney at 5.20 o'cl. Found them all well, but no Miss Louise there. Captain St. ...... and his family were to return to Wash. today.

Left Olney for this place at 7-1/2 o'cl the road unusually bad for this time of year. Saw none of the servants until this morning, then found that all was going on well. I planted out some strawberry vines, pulled up and hauled in the soup beans &c &c until dinner and then went out and helped the men cut off corn, a thing I have not done for four years I believe (but there is no telling what these wives will bring us to, especially when they are away from home).

The moon is shining very brightly, and it now looks promising for good weather, which so far as we poor beings can judge seems very much needed; and now I come to the point of writing what I would be glad to have unwritten if it seemed right to do so. If the weather should continue good I could be ready to sow wheat by the last of the week and therefor without sufficient reason ought not to be away from home. If I am sent for before, it would suit my business much better to wait until seventh-day to go and see thee, but if thee wants me to come sooner or will be a particle more comfortable for my coming on sixth-day, please to not hesitate to let me know. I wrote now that thee may have a chance of answering by writing to Olney so that I will getthe letter on fifth-day. Do not consider the question settled but be sure to let me know thy wishes. (There may be something to interrupt my plans so that I will get there on sixth-day.)

I have been somewhat sorry I did not make the arrangement to have someone come for me in case thee should be taken sick this week, for I will want to be with thee just as soon as possible after I hear thee is taken, and according to the present arrangement it will seem very long, and there is a chance of the letters being mislaid or sent somewhere else. I will however try to abide in patience.

(continued)

2021.0006.0003dd1-2

-2-

Sep. 28, 1868

Except that I expect to be too busy to get lonesome I would feel more so this week on account of Willie's absence. He is going to Baltimore tomorrow with a drove of cattle and will not be back until the last of the week.

George Brooke is much more poorly than he has been, is now confined to bed and his friends as well as the Dr. seem very much discouraged about him. It is very sad to think about, he is such a refined noble boy or I should say man, as he has lately arrived at a man's age. Unaccountable are the ways of Providence, but they are all right, and knowing this I leave thee my dearest darling wife in His care, and trust that he will see fit to let us live long and happily together.

Thy devoted husband, /s/ Roger

Note: The George Brooke mentioned above must have been Roger Brooke VI's son [of Willow Grove] who "died before maturity" [p. 323 of Old Homes ... Montg. Co.] -- not George E., son of Roger Brooke V of Brooke Grove; he died in 1905 at age 93.