Augusta County: Jacob Kent Langhorne to His Mother, November 16,
1862
Summary:
Langhorne refers to the death of a family friend, mentions the local churches' efforts to
send carpets to the soldiers for use as blankets, and tells about the popularity of chestnuts
at the school.
Mother
November the 16th 1862
Virginia Military Institute
Dear Ma
I received your letter a day or two ago and was so sorry to hear of the death of poor Henry. He is quite a loss to Papa I dont know what he will do without him & Mr. Peyton poor man was killed. I feel so much for poor old Mrs. Peyton. I did not understand what you said about Mr. Dabney.
I went to Preaching this morning and the Preacher wants the people here to cut up their carpets to make blankets for the soldiers. They are going to give the carpets in the aisles of the churches here to them. Ma I want you to buy one of Aunt Lees Linsey dresses most suitable to line my overcoat with as we can get nothing thicker than [unclear: osenburgs] to line them with and we have to give the biggest kind of price for it. Send me a piece of home made soap to wash my feet with. If you have started the box you needn't trouble your self about them.
Tell Maurice I will answer his letter next Saturday. He had better buy as many chestnuts as he can if he can buy them low and sell them. They are selling here a 50 cents a quart. I want to write to Aunt this evening so I must stop. My love to all at cousin Hues. Kiss Mag and Mary, love to all both White & black.
I remain your affectionate son
Kent
PSSS My Math is as much as I can possibly master & some of the examples more. Kent.