Augusta County: Mollie Houser to James Houser, May 23, 1864
Summary:
Mollie relates the news of her cousin John's death, and discusses her options for
marriage.
May the 23 1864
Augusta County Virginia
Dear Cousin Jimmy
I am once more permitted by my kind redeemer to write you a short Epistle, in Compliance With
yours which finds me in good health And truly hope when those few lines Comes to hand they will
find you enjoying a happier Condition of life than I am at present; Cousin I will have to
relate the sad event To you as it is more than I can bury within my own heart, although it is
what we are all Destined to someday sooner or later, Cousin John
Houser received a wound in the recent Battle which has Called him home to rest, & I
truly hope although he gave no satisfactory evidence of his rest or assurance in Christ that he may Be numbered with the blessed.,
His only request was to see his Pa but he died & was buried
Before his Pa arrived at the hospital he died in the hospital as Charlottesville & was buried there He had every attention he required his suffer
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ings were severe but did not last long. His Physician & Minister told his Father He was
willing to die; I should have like to Conversed with him but he had kind Friends enough to
comfort him; well Jimmy you requested me to tell you how that Lady
would suit you from the description I think she will do very
well always Marry For love & make beauty & riches no
objection And try to get a wife of industry & good principle is my best advice you
stated in your letter of being at a wedding we have a good many here young ladies marry old
Bachelors I don't
know how we will do when they are all I think I will marry for riches
& marry an old Bachelor I believe I would sooner marry a young
man with nothing in hand than for to marry an Old man with a thousand tracts of land. well
Cousin I will Close by giving you my love & requesting you to write soon again
I remain your affectionate Cousin as ever
M M C Houser
you will please give my love to Cousin AM & receive a due portion to yourself & other inquiring friends I hope you will forgive me for not writing a more interesting letter & a longer one
