07. Nellie's Letters, May 12-June 29, 1865

We are expecting Wash in about a week. Add is quite anxious for Wash and I to go with them on their wedding tour. They will be married June 15th and propose to spend the rest of the summer sight seeing. I don't much think I shall go but it is among the possibilities, and I know would be a delightful trip.

Thanks for the picture. It is one of the best you ever had, but I don't think your pictures ever do you justice. Photographs seldom give one a perfect idea of the original.

as I am high in office in the grand lodge of the CP.L.'s I know that it would be of no use to present your request. The "lords of creation" are not allowed the best part of a membership, and can only visit the lodge upon public

occasions. Our lodge is a silver coin made into a pin and marked with the initials in German text.

The circles still fourish spite of the short evenings. Macbeth has has committed his foul deed and in his turn been murdered, Hamlet has discussed his famous question, fought his duel gone to his grave, Many other characters have played their little parts by the agency of our enterprising little bond of "close communers".

Lue still keeps Joe "dangling in the air", You can imagine him on one of the highest strings or he would touch bottom. Where she means to land him at least is beyond the comprehension of the "oldest inhabitants".

Well the hand of the clock point toward twelve, and Mrs F

[in pencil upside down at top of page: May 30, 1865]

rattles the crockery in a threatening manner, and it behooves me to put aside my writing and smooth my hairs prepairatory to meeting the "workfolks".

Our planting is mostly done, and there is every prospect of a good grass crop. We've got ten little chickens, and last night Mistress Puss presented the children with a new pet, but unfortunately it was not long for this world and this morning it was buried with due solemnity. The procession was headed by Hattie with a shovel. Emma came next with the lifeless grimalkin wrapped in a paper, then followed half a dozen school mates with doleful faces and hushed voices, "Sad, sad indeed" &C

Be a good boy Harry, and believe me

As ever --

Nellie --

Frosty Retreat. Friday June 9th 1865

Harry --

I wonder what has "come o'er the spirit of your dream" that caused you to neglect to send me a letter by the last steamer! Was it to punish me for my seeming negligence or have you concluded that it doesn't pay? Either object is utterly unworthy the character of a gentleman of your standing. If the first, I have only to refer you to the golden rule. If the second, to say to you that

[written on left side of paper and top turned sideways]

I don't dare to trespass on your time by taking another sheet, so I'll make my stories short. I believe I've nothing in the news line to communicate The world still moves and there is no appearance of the end yet in this part of it.

Be good and you will be happy. With my lowest obeisance I bid you -- good afternoon.

Nellie V --

it should be your pleasure to do that which affords pleasure to others even at a little inconvenience to yourself.

Let me observe that you may consider yourself wonderfully served by this token of my regard, since it is very rarely I write except in answer to letters, and I only ease my conscience this time by remembering that my last answered two of yours, and was not adequate payment either in quantity or quality.

I wish you might have been here to have enjoyed the lovely days and magnificent nights of the past week. More perfect hours I cannot conceive of. Much as I have seemed to live in the enjoyment of them I have felt myself incapable of a