LETTER 21

Morganton, N.C.
Sept. 24th, 1877

My Dear Capt.,

How glad I was at the arrival of Saturdays mail freighted as I hoped (and to my delight, found) it was with my first white-winged love message. For two days after you bid me good bye it rained till the sky seemed almost weary, and if I'd been like most of our modern girls I'd had a desperate attack of the "blues", but I'd a cheery fire and looked up employment for my hands (the very best sedative) and lived over the last happy week.

Cousin Sam and Frank got home Wednesday evening, both well, and Frank quite overjoyed with his trip, new overcoat and boots. Sam has been a better boy since you left. I admit the elements have not permitted much rambling,, still I think the daily application of hickory has had a most salutary effect. I've been greatly amused at little Clandes' constant prattle about "Capin her dear feet heart." Sissie laughed and told me that she only had to take a pencil and pretend she was writing you (if she grew naughty) when her dear little face would be wreathed in smiles, so you see what havoc you have made with the hearts of this family.

Glad was I to hear of the good health of your sisters, and thank them for their pleasant mention of me. I am determined with God's help to do my whole duty to you who I love most and best of all this world, and I don't for one moment doubt but that we will all be happy together. I do want them to love me.

My good friend Cora has been very ill, but Capt'n E. tells me she sat up this morning and he hopes soon to have her well.

Mr. Anderson is expected home this week. I hope to find him greatly improved in health. I'm real hungry to hear him preach.

Cam, Sis Clande, Johnnie and a liberal contribution of the Walton girls are going to the Roan next week. I doubt not but that they will have a pleasant trip but they can't prevail on me to go. I've no heart for gayety now. Oh! you don't know how sadly I miss my mother. I feel my great loss more keenly every day. She was so united to me in every thought, surely God bereft me of a priceless treasure when he called my mother home.

Cam and Sis Clande seemed to enjoy your brief visit to them. Tis so pleasant for me to hear my family say kind things of you. I sit by and "give my thoughts no longer" content with knowing I'm the owner of that brave, noble heart. Oh! that I may always prove worthy of this sacred trust.

The bright sunshine has tempted Willie out to his farm. He has had a hard time of it for the past month, but Dr. Moran tells him every carbuncle was worth money and that he will feel like a new man all winter. I laughingly told the Dr. that I never knew Will had so much bad blood. I dident think it possible for him to find a similar example in me.

I send you the last "Blade", notice Mr. Bond's article on the "Magnificent Virginians." You ought to come out and tell Maj. Englehard what the 6th Regt. faced at Getisburg. There was hardly a home in Burke that did not offer a sacrifice on the alter of their country on those two bloody days and the bravest flowed from the gallant old 6th.

I'm sorry this argument ever began. It looks badly to me to see who ought to be "a band of brothers" looking with jealous eyes on each other, yet now that the fire is kindled it should not be quenched till "honor is given to whom it is due." I'm glad to see the " Observer" (Charlotte) take the stand it has.

Tis a lovely afternoon. How I'd enjoy talking over the future with you, but I must be patient and wait till I can see you which I trust is not far off. I'll not appoint any time, you know when it will be most convenient to you and your business. Just remember that you will be the most welcomed at any time and come when you can.

Col. Tate was sorry not to have seen you before you left. I hope you can tell me years hence that you never regretted the vow of the 16th, but we must try to let love for each other mingled with respect and duty go with us through life and then all will be well. Write me whenever you can. I'll not count pages now, but try and turn over a new leaf ha! ha! With love for your sisters after you have taken out the best. I'm yours, L.P.

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