Augusta: John P. Lightner to Kate Armentrout,
January 13, 1859
Summary:
Lightner writes to Kate of local religious activities, courtship, and their
school acquaintances.
Miss Amanda C. Armentrout, Greenville, Augusta Co Va
Jan. 13th 1859
Fancy Hill
Dear Friend;
I suppose you think I have forgotten you but far from it. I received your [added: kind] & affectionate letter, and was truly glad to hear from you & my old school-mates on the Creek. I am not very well at present, as I have a very bad cold, which is quite common in this vicinity.
Well, news is so very scarce I hardly know where to get intelligence to write to you.
I was in company with some ladies last night, and my ideas are a little tangled,
and it requires some exertion to extricate them. But I managed to keep my heart,
and am no
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suscipient (as you already know) of other people's hearts.
I hope you had a joyous time, during your meeting at Calvary, & also
hope you had a revival of religion in your midst. You said that there was need
of one in your neighborhood; you need not limit it to
your own neighborhood for all neighborhoods need it.
You made mention of some in Greenville, who had made a profession, I was glad to hear of it, and hope they will remain "steadfast in faith."
You hoped, (you said) that I might succeed in getting one of Mrs. P. daughters, I
have not courted them yet & have not gotten
sense enough to do that; I think I will have to take a few lessons under you,
for
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fear I begin wrong and fail in my attempt. You said that you
would like for me to send you my likeness, I'm afraid I would break all the
glass that can be started. I am very thankful that I am going to school where I
am; I know Midway of old, and the "Burg" is not far behind.
Well, I want to go to prayer meeting to night, so I must conclude. Give my love to all inquiring friends & accept a portion for yourself. Write soon.
Yours, affectionately from your friend
John P. Lightner
P.S. I wanted to come down Christmas but circumstances did not permit. I hope to see [added: you] some of these days on earth if not in heaven. Be zealous in the work before. Tell Jacob to be patient.
