Augusta County: David H. Evans to Mary Anna Sibert,
June 10, 1868
Summary:
Evans explains why he spends so much energy in making his fortune, and maintains
that there are good uses for wealth. He apologizes to Sibert for his failure to
visit, gives family news, and announces plans to visit on Saturday.
June 10th 1868
Staunton
My dear Mollie
Your dear letter of the 4th came Safely to hand & gave me much pleasure to hear that you were
well. I was extremely sorry I disappointed you on
last Saturday. My Business was of Such a Nature I could Not possibly leave if I live I will be down this coming Saturday. My
Brother left for home on Yesterday I did not like to give him up he is my favorite Brother. Our friends called us twin Brothers for we were together
all the time that he was in Staunton. Magnus read a letter from your
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Pa on Yesterday they arrived Safely your Pa &
Ham were quite well I Suppose Magnus will Send the letter down to your Ma by
today's Mail. You Express the wish in your letter
that I will Never love money. I must confess that all my energy is aimed at making a fortune the
reason I Strive to do so is to make others comfortably & happy & for them to have all the comforts
of this world. Some have abused the wealth that God has placed in their hands hording it up it does
them no good or their
family Such Persons is a Curse to themselves & those that Surround them
While on the other hand
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others use their
wealth in promoting the Interest of the Community
in which they live in releaving the wants of the
Poor, & giving their
families all the comforts of this world. I can't agree with you that wealth takes away all tender & holy affection from the heart wealth nor
anything Else on this Earth can Step in between
Husband & wife if they do they have never truly loved Each other
oh I would like so much to See your dear face it has been
so long Since we have Seen Each other it seems as
though it has been months
Since I have seen you my love. A few more days if God Spares
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my life
I will See you. See the one that I truly & devotedly love one that I
love with all my Strenth & Soul. No one Else has a place in my heart but
you [deleted: yo] & you only My love
Mr R Keofe is talking about coming down with me Saturday
You need not look for [illeg.] me until after Dark I will not leave Staunton until late about Six oclock
My love to your Ma, love to all my friends. Ella & family are all well. I Send a loving Kiss to you I love you with my whole heart & Soul you & you only. Excuse this for it was written in haste
Yours
David H Evans
