Augusta County: Rush to John B. McGuffin, April 22,
1861
Summary:
John B. McGuffin's cousin writes to him about her wish to see the Union remain in
one piece. She also writes about her teaching and romantic entanglements at
home.
Mr. John B. McGuffin, Harper's Ferry, Va.
Apr 22 1861
Massies hill
Dear John
Your letter was received about a week ago & had I not feared you really had gone to "Harpers Ferry" a place I never intended you to go until I went with you. John be careful of your moustache, goatee imperial & whiskers if you do go. I could not bear for you to write me that one of old Abe's men had deprived you of a part of them.
Putting all jesting aside John, I fear you will have to go. How much I dread it.
I entertain the hope that we will only have a brush
& all will be restored to peace & harmony again. What a state of
affairs! Our quiet Union the envy of the old countries roken in pieces - First
one corner & then another, scale by scale.
Not by one unanimous & universal crack, as if done by
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men
blindfolded, but inch by inch here a little & there a little with their
eyes open to its awful effect. I am not a great hand on "politics" but [deleted: ] my "war" calls forth my every sentiment &
[unclear: exerts] my every nerve. My beau
(Mr. Hill) was to see me on yesterday & asked me what I thought of him going. I told him I would be sorry to see any of them going & particularly him, yet if
he was needed in defense of his country, to go certainly, that if I was a "wife"
I should say so, & would upon no account of
mine have him stay. He gently laid his arm around me & did what a
certain cousin of mine did, by the name of Berrie, when on his buggy the Sunday
before I left home for Nelson, & said that you
have the right spirit, & I love you. Right broad assertion I think,
don't you. He told me to tell you that if you ventured a challenge
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you had better be cautious or you might get "suck in." Never mind, John I'll be
your "second" & then he will be afraid to hurt you. I thank you much
kindly for your papers, I feel like I am again in old Augusta when reading them.
Do not disappoint me in coming over this summer for many of the girls are anxious to see you & I am as anxious to exhibit you.
I'll kiss you for the "bouquet" of flowers when we meet. You are a good boy. How I envy [illeg.] her chance in receiving an offer from you. I think your conversation with her on cousins marrying was right severe. I'll pay you when I see you for what you said about me "crushing" your prospects. You scamp you.
I was a anxious to hear whose houses were burnt on Mt. Solon & could not
[illeg.] you told me.
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My school is very good. I have made $40 clear since I saw you. I do not know how much longer I will teach after July, perhaps until Oct. Can't tell until after the "war." John I am so much obliged to you for attending to my "note" for me. Hope to be able to remunerate some day. We expect to have a pic-nic some time this summer. Will you come over - John write soon if your letter is necessarily brief so I can hear where you are. The rains have played havoc with us on this side of the mountain too. The river is very full I came near being drowned once. The horse got swamped & I had to wade out. Came near "going with the tide." Lignora the lady with whom I board sends her love to you & says she believes that you & I are courting, if not engaged. Write soon to your cousin.
Rush
Julia is always fretting & talking about John
says if only she could see him sends her love to you.
dont forget
to write.
