Franklin County: Eliza R. Stouffer to Catherine and Amos Miller,
July 10, 1864
Summary:
In this letter, Eliza Stouffer describes crop harvests within the area, the status of
education at her son Amos' school, and the recent deaths of friends.
July 10th 1864
Dear Children
We received both yours & Davids letters yesterday, were very glad to hear from you, and as
times are, do not Know how long we may have the priviledge of writing together, we are all
well, hope this may find you all again restored to perfect health, Andrew Henry & colored Thomas came home with the horses & wagon yesterday evening, he is done cutting
in the slate land, have quite a small portion to cut here yet, very few persons are done I Know
of none else, Some are about half done, The news appeared quite favorable yesterday, not so much so to day, at least the pickets say so, that stand
on the pike, on Wednesday the order was given out in town, that when there would be danger and
they thought it advisable for the farmers to move their stock, the Bells in town should be
wrung, which was done on wednesday about sun set, then the whole neighborhood cleared off their
horses, our men were as far as Leesburg, would have came on friday morning
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But John
Stouffer. went to town and heard bad news, telegraphed to his men not to come until he sent further orders. But they had started before the telegram arrived. So
those that were back received it, and stayed, or else they would likely all been home a
day or so sooner, how it will go further, is a mystery yet, But must hope for the best, and put
our trust in God, There was always a way yet and hope there is yet, Do not trouble yourselves
about us, and if we should be so situated that we cannot get
together or hear from one another, Let us cast our care on him who has all power in Heaven
& earth, and if we can feel that nearness of him, we shall not be made afraid, we had a
letter from Amos and a dispatch, enquiring, whether they should stay or come home, we advised
them to stay, he says they are anxious to get through with their studies, complain they have
two few teachers for so many Scholars, which is a great drawback
to them, complains of the heat, perhaps you can write to them sometime
particular if our mails should be closed and
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not yours
which might be the case, & if you want the glass jars he could get them for you Papa
send him a check for some money so he could pay them we had meeting
today, this afternoon, at the School
house, and had a very fine shower of rain which will freshen up things a little It was very
dry, and is no ways soaked deep yet,
The news are as yet not very favorable the Rebels are said to be moving on towards Baltimore. But we Know nothing and should give all over to God to rule who has all in his hands. and power I often feel that I dread the cross too much and would rather see it go according to my wish & will. Oh What short sighted creatures are we.
May the Lord rule my heart. and let me be silent
Anna Landis was buried last wednesday at 10 Oclock. Stoner & Uncle Daniel were at the funeral,
also Eliza Burkholders son was wounded in battle & has since died,
write whenever convenient
Let David's see this as I may not answer theirs immediately
