Augusta County: Sue Carter to Mary A. Heirs, September 15, 1861
Summary:
Carter laments to her cousin about the pain of separation from family during the war, and her
faith in God to reunite them.
Miss Mary A. Heirs.
Quincy.
Illinois
Haste! Oh! Haste!
Sabbath Eve, 2
'o'clock
September, 15th 1861.
Staunton
My darling Cousin:
It is with the most exquisite pleasure that I once more endeavor to pen you a few lines; although there is a probability that you may never see these lines. But I have an opportunity to send a letter North by a gentleman who has been working here for some time, but is going home, & I sincerely hope he may be permitted to mail this letter to you.
Dear Mollie, there has been many sad changes since last I wrote you, my heart aches as I think of them, but I try to submit without murmuring, for I can not but feel that it is the Lord's will, that our once prosperous & happy nation must be divided; and where peace & happiness, once Shed their smile to gladden the hearts of the people, now civil war is devastating our land. It is very sad to think of, but you know, dear cousin, as well, perhaps better than I do, the state of our beloved country. But do not let us despair, we are in the hands of a merciful God, & he will surely work all things to-gether for our good, & his own glory. His ways are mysterious.
I suppose, dear Mollie, that you have not heard from Cousin Will since the war commenced. He
is in Virginia, at Norfolk, a city about two hundred miles from here, I have not heard from him
for some time, the last I heard of him, he was well.
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There has been no fighting where
he is yet, & I hope there will be none. I wish I could see him, nothing would afford me
more happiness. He has promised to come as soon as he can.
I know where Will is, and can hear from him some time; But where is cousin Tom? Oh! how unhappy I have been about him since I received his last letter, which was in May. If I could feel sure of his safety I would be so happy. I know wherever he is, & in whatever circumstance he may be placed, there is One who ever watches over him, when human friends are of no avail I have looked at his picture many, many times, since I heard from him, and read his letters again & again, while tears of anguish flowed from my eyes, as I thought of the probability of never hearing from you all again. But I hope, dear Mary that there is a brighter day ahead, & the time may soon come when our correspondence will recommence not to be stopped by any national calamity. I wish you had sent me your picture I hope someday to see it, & not your shadow merely, but your own dear self. What a happy day that would be!
Tell dear Aunt not to be unhappy because Cousins Will & Tom are in opposite parties.
Tell her, cousin Mollie, that I would try to console her but I know not how. I can only pray
for her Her situation is one of peculiar Sadness, & I would
that it were in my power to administer to her consolation, but I cannot I am too weak & ignorant, I fear, to comfort her, but I pray the Lord
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may console her in her affliction. He is able & willing to
comfort her. There has been some changes in our family since last I wrote. Sister was married
the Fourth of July. She married Mr. Williams believe I wrote something about him to you or cousin Tom.
He would say, "she did remarkably well." He is not very wealthy, but
he is an honest & industrious man, esteemed by all. I know they would send you some
message or perhaps write, if they had known that I intended to write to
you, but I did not know it myself until nearly eleven o'clock to-night, & as their home
is some distance from mine I could not go to see them. I will send their love to you (all)
anyhow. Unfortunately mother is away from home to-night also. Give
her love to Auntie & tell that she often talks about her.
I must stop for it is getting late, & I am afraid I will
not wake in time to send this down. Excuse me, dearest Cousin, I intended to write you a long
letter, but time will not permit it now. Give my love to Cousin Tom, and tell I often think of
him & long for the time when he can write to me again, I miss his and your letters more
than I do any of my other correspondence I would give anything to
receive one of your'[deleted: s] or his' long & interesting letters.
Remember, dear Mary, if I should never hear from you again, I shall ever feel the tenderest
affection for you, & deepest solitude for your happiness.
All send much love, Do not forget to give my love & a kiss to your youngest brother. If
it is in your power, dear Mollie, write to me. A letter from you would
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give me more
happiness than I could express.
You wrote to me once about being a Christian. Do you still love Christ & his cause? Are you striving to please him? You have my prayers in your behalf.
Good bye dearest Mary, if- if I never hear from or see you while living, I hope to meet you
with the redeemed & blessed above. Tears are blinding me, I am compelled to stop
Remember me in your petitions, cousin.
I am, and ever shall be Your fond & loving cousin
Sue.
P.S.
Henry sends his love, and says that he is sorry that your
picture did not come. Write to me if possible. Good
bye!
Monday Morning 6 o'clock.
