Franklin County: Samuel M. Potter to Cynthia Potter,
April 21, 1864
Summary:
Potter reports on his brigade's movement away from Warrenton, Virginia, and asks
about the family.
Cynthia Potter
April 21st 1864
Hospital Dept. 16th Pa. Cav., Turkey Run, VA.
Dear Wife
Yours of the 15th was recieved this evening & I am glad to see that you are all well. We had a report a day or two ago that the mail would be stopped for 60 days. Now I am convinced that it was a false report & the letter that I wrote needlessly alarmed you.
Our 1st Brigade moved today from Warrenton to a point between us and the Junction. Our Brigade which has been scattered has moved closer together our regiment remaining in our old quarters. There is no enemy near that we know of. My health continues good as usual. You ask what we have to eat. Well the usual army rations. Fresh bread, potatoes, dried apples, coffee, sugar & beans every day. Fresh beef 3 days in the week & fat pork the other 4 days. Some times we get onions & pickled cabbage sometimes molasses. So you see that I live very well. I wish my family lived as well.
When you go to my party at Mr. McGills you will find more delecious things than we do in Dixie.
George Sutherlands was a rather sudden death. How is his fathers health. This will be hard on him.
John Danely you say is very bad. He has been very much afflicted. Is his complaint the same & how is Elizabeths health. She was not very stout when I was there.
Frank McCoy must be quite hearty now. Give him my compliments if at home yet. So you think I am a sensible fellow for loving the smiling woman whose picture I have before me. I will expect that smile kiss & sweet welcome when I get home.
Has Debby bronchitis as bad as she had formerly. I hope not. When the weather gets warm she will get better.
Sam Danley has had some of our luck in cows. Well he can easy replace one. Give Catherine & him my kindest regards.
I suppose you are quite proud now that you have two boys to carry up wood for you & to work for you. Well keep them employed & that will keep them out of bad company. Can your daughters Lucy & Bell get a dinner for you yet. I hope you may get up to Grandpas with the children this summer. If I do not get home to take you try & get up anyhow. I would like to eat some of your eggs just for the fun of it & then to see the race among the little fellows. How does Jimmy get along & does he lay to late in bed to be in the egghunting business. Tell Bell I think she has the advantage as Mother helps her. Does she get the most eggs. What a fine time Josey will have at McGills hunting with Bennie. Jimmie wants you to tell Pa that you will have a kiss for him. I expect Lucy & Bell are good girls to help amuse their little brother. Could Josey & Lucy go up the hill to Sunday School this summer & get some of their books out of the library. It would be nice. You must send up to Grandpas & get some money. Get yourself shoes & the children if they need any.
I would like to be with you when Jimmy is baptized & will ask you to wait awhile. It is my duty & a great pleasure & one I hope to enjoy God willing. So my dear wife if it is his will I will stand at your side & take the vows with you hoping God will give us grace to keep our vows & bring the children up in his fear & walk in his paths ourselves.
I fear I cant get home in time for Communion at the Lords Supper with you but do go by all means & when at the table pray for me. Give my respects to all our neighbors & friends. Rest assured of the continued love & esteem of
Your husband
S. M. Potter
I will not close until morning & give you all the
news although that is our busiest time.
Morning pleasant nothing new
all is quiet. I am well yet & hearty. It is thought that we will
move soon. Mail goes out soon. Kiss the children for me. My love to them
& a kiss to you.
