10. Nellie's Letters, September-October 17, 1865

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Frosty Retreat. Sept. 27th 1865.

Dear Harry --

With my own hands I got your present from the Express office. It is the most elegant buckle I ever saw and I desire to return many thanks for it. I shall prise it much for itself and more for the sake of the giver.

It is exceedingly pleasant to be thus remembered by ones friends, but I fear I don't deserve so much at your

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Again thanking you for all your kindness and affection I'll try and stop. You must make allowances for my letters since I am obliged to write in the presence of the family, with the children continually bothering me.

May God bless and keep you is always the prayer of

Nellie.

hands. Let me tell you, while I am in a softened mood, that when I say naughty things it is more from a spirit of mischief than any thing else.

From the force of habit I make fun of things you say which really touch me deeply, and I hope I never hurt you by my levity.

It's not a chronic malady and I should not indulge in it if you were with me -- which I wish you were most sincerely. Indeed you cannot want to come more than I wish to have you. Waiting never did agree with my constitution, but I guess I can endure it a while longer, -- say six months.

Such a sunset as I witnessed tonight! It was enough to do ones soul good. The distant mountain tops beautifully blue yet distinct in outline; the nearer hills dotted with white farm houses; one lovely pond calm and peaceful, and over all a flood of glorious golden light, giving the most delicate tints to the bright robed trees, and almost persuading one that it was warm and summer again. 'Twas a scene well worth the wearisome walk over Pikes Hill which I took, though not especially for that purpose. I shall take the buckle down

to show your mother. Of course those who know will wonder why I accepted it if we are not engaged. It is funny isn't it?

Did you know -- almost every body thinks I am engaged to Hanno Gage? I hear of it from every corner, but I will say to you what I won't humor others by saying, that he knows I do not wish to receive even a call from him, and we do not correspond. I am also told by an interested friend that people consider me a sad flirt. Do you dare to undertake the charge of such a desperate heart breaker?