Augusta County: Mollie Houser to Willie Houser, September 5,
1864
Summary:
Mollie joyfully begins a correspondance with a cousin she has never met.
Septemberthe 5 1864
Augusta County Virginia
Dear Cousin Willie
It is with Humility I Endeavor to address you with a short Epistle this morning Informing you
of the happy reception of your letter which finds me enjoying the best of health hoping the
same may be your mutual blessing in the present & future you haven't the least idea how I was surprised when I received your letter. it was read with
pleasure I always appreciate one from a Cousin very highly
& Especially from one that I have never seen or formed an acquaintance with. It is a
gratification for me to hear from them if I can't see them I hope you
will Excuse me if I fail to interest you this time as I have been losing a great deal of sleep. I am so nervous I can't write I was Just going to an Apple butter
boiling when I received your letter I wish you could be here we have the finest times making
butter at this time you ever heard tell of Apples are very plenty in Virginia this year there is more butter & brandy made than
has ever been known before I want to save
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Some brandy until the war is over when you pay me a visit then I will treat you & if this
Cruel war never ceases I hope to see you soon I sometimes think I would almost as soon be dead
as living but again I leave it to that kind omnipotent being that
rules our destinies & Shapes our Ends here on Earth to do
as he thinks best & I know I will be right we are Commanded to be content with our lot but I don't
think I will ever be contented with war Sister will write to you soon She wants to wait until
She gets through sleeping She sends her most pious regards to you the family all send their
best regards to you & your brothers I will Close by asking you to Excuse my short
& badly written letter & correct all mistakes
believe me to be your affectionate Cousin most devotedly yours
Mollie M Houser
PS Give my love to your brothers & receive a due portion yourself alas when you write home give my regards to your sisters & Connections at home I will Close hoping to hear from you soon again To Willie Houser
