05. Nellie's Letters, March-April 1865

dashing of the foam." -- You should be here today to appreciate that second line. Such a wailing, howling, screeching, as the wind makes through this old house and the ancient trees, with the occasional dashing of the rain against the window panes, is well worth listening to.

July the wind is a grand old musician, and he whistles "over the hills and far away" in an inimitable style.

Miss Betsy Gardner is here visiting. You should hear the old lady compliment my playing and singing. She beats you in the delicate act of flattery, and what makes hers more desirable, it is all sincere. Oh! goodness! how it pours hail stones, I must watch them, so you can stand one side and if I have any thing more to say. I'll say it some other time,

Sunday Morning,

I wonder -- How do you find yourself this gloriouos Spring day! Such a temptation as it has been to take a run on the crust; but so many things seemed to demand my attention in doors that I resisted. You should be thankful since I shall devote part of the time to the pleasant task of trying to entertain your most intimate friend, Capt. Mighels.

If my style of writing should seem to abound in superfluous adjectives it will be partially attributable to the fact that I have been reading a French translation -- "Corinne" -- which is made up of flowery nothings -- no -- I am too sweeping in that statement, there are some beautiful ideas and fine thoughts in it, but they are clothed in the most extravagent language.

I have also read this week, "Live

It Down" and English novel, with about equal parts of plot and moral.

My friend Gage called to see me last evening, what do you think now about something serious having passed between us? "One can't most always tell," concerning those affairs.

I think I may go to Portland in a few weeks to make a visit.

Yes, -- I'll pray for you, because -- are we not commanded to pray for even our enemies? Most certainly our friends should have a small share, but don't think me better than I am, for I never pray except when I feel like it, -- not believing in the efficacy of a prayer which does not proceed from an earnest heart. I generally manage to feel in the mood once a day.

Thanks for your kind messages to my family and friends, as I know none of yours, you can take to yourself all of my love which

[con't in margin of pg 5]

[postmark: NORWA]

[stamp removed]

Henry R. Mighels

Care of Geo. C. Gorham Esqr.

San Francisco

Cal --

Per. Steamer.

[in pencil: Mar 17 1865 1915]

[Back of envelope - blank]