folder 08: 1842

Newbern April 24th 1842

My Dear [ ]

Mr. Bryan arrived here last evening, but the letter which he brought from you and your mother did not reach me until this morning [ ] to my being out at a party at Judge Gaston's. The party was given to the little girls and boys of the town by the judge's little grand daughters. There were about fifteen girls and ten boys at the party and they had cake and strawberries and cream and a great many other things, all set out for them under an arbor in the garden. After they had finished eating they all went into the house and had fun [ ] in dancing and playing. they looked very pretty, I can tell you [ ] James taylor says he thinks our Raleigh girls are a full match for them in beauty. It would have done your heart good to see how the little things hopped and skipped and danced about. You would have forgotten all about Dick and [ ] too, if you had seen them. They broke up between nine and ten o'clock and all went home highly delighted, I have no [ ] with their evening's entertainment- [ ] Billy [ ] John is quite well- Tell [ Sue? ] and Mary I have some very pretty shells for them- Farewell. I am your affectionate Father Will H. Battle

My Dear Wife

Having devoted the first page to [ ] amusement, I will add up the balance of the [ ] to you. I am sorry that my [ ] letter did not afford you the satisfacation which you say my correspondence usually inspires. It was indeed written under feelings of depression originating from the cause you mention- and my dear wife, you must acknowledge that the thought of having my wife and children reduced to poverty by the misconduct of my brothers is enough to weigh down my spirits much lower than they have been-