Augusta County: Unknown ("L."?) to Sister of Author,
ca.1865-1867
Summary:
The letter discusses the prospect of buying some clothes and also provides
updates on school.
Dear sister
I am almost ashamed to write home, having nothing but [unclear: words] to
write of. I dont think the person told the truth that
wrote the poem "Man wants but little here below." At least such has not been my
experience and observation. I heard that you had got a hat, "with a white
plume." What is the shape of it? I have not got my hat or bonnet yet I am rather
undecided as to what to get I would rather have a bonnet. If I can get [added: a pretty bonnet] one for 5 or 6 I would prefer
it to a hat. But I am afraid they will cost more than that. I do not know much
about the price of dress goods here I have not seen very many yet. I do not
suppose they are any cheaper here than in the country store, and they are higher
here than in the stores in [illeg.] Augusta. Right nice Mosambiques cost
about [unclear: 70] here. Miss [unclear: Pennie] Howard got a
lawn for
[page 2]
$1 per yd. but it was very fine
and nice piece of goods. I know but little about the prices of goods. I expect
Miss Lizzie Echard could tell you more than I know. If you can I would like to
[unclear: picture] a corset with enough [unclear: swiss] for
a new white body. I think it probable though that Mr Andersons
[unclear: swiss] is dearer than it would be almost any place else, as I
heard he had bought it before goods fell. If you get me a corset, get about
[unclear: 20] 20. I dont insist on the
corset, if it cost too much. I will try and do with my body. I do not know what
about wrappings [unclear: silk] wrapping made [illeg.]
[illeg.]
[illeg.]
[illeg.]
[illeg.] be much worn, but I of course dont
expect to get any. If you have [unclear: not] need [unclear: that]
[unclear: appear] and do not intend making yourself a little sock, I
believe I will make one of it if you send it to me. When you send my clothes
send my white dress. I do not suppose I will wear it as a dress but will need
the skirt for a nice underskirt occassionally & please send my
[unclear: swiss]
[unclear: body]. If you get me a dress you can just get it as if it were
for yourself. I do not expect anything very expensive. I want to confine my
wants as much as possible for I certainly am an expense myself, and I feel it.
We will have an exam on the whole book of Geom
next Tues week. I have not commenced preparation for it yet but must commence
and study faithfully. There is to be a little concert tomorrow night I dont
[unclear: know] whether I will come down to it or no. Ella Allen expects
to go home next week. I am so very very sorry I love her so very much, but I
know it will be better for her, and I ought not to be sorry. Liddie has not been
well for a week, she too expects to go home for a few days. Bettie Echard was to
see me to-day. Miss Lizzie did not come up. Mrs Turk
coming down next week you had better come along [added: coming down] to [unclear: see] the [unclear: town] if
not only. But I must close, [unclear: have] you write
I expect you
to [unclear: see]
[at top of first page] I did not have time to write this
with ink
I certainly have scratched this down in a hurry
Dr Brown
preached two splendid sermons for us last Sunday. Mrs
Edmonson (Ned's mother) was buried to-day.
