Augusta: John P. Lightner to Kate Armentrout,
December 15, 1860
Summary:
Lightner's letter to Kate mostly centers on news of friends and family and his
hopes to leave Washington College for the Christmas holidays. He briefly
mentions his distaste for "disunion by lots."
Dec. 15th, 1860
Washington College
Dear Friend;
I hope you have not become impatient, as I have been somewhat remiss in not answering your very welcomed epistle.
I was very glad to receive a letter from you so replete, with good sentiments, & also exemplary.
I suppose you hail the new world this morning, as well as myself. I was rather
surprised, when I saw the earth robed in white. I am afraid it will blast my
hopes, for I anticipated a fine time on Christmas, [added: if] I get out of this prison. I expect to leave here next Saturday or
whip some of the Profs. as you know I am a great
fighting character speaking ironically. I have not
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been very well for
the last week or two. I had a very bad cold, but I think so much about
Christmas, I believe it has nearly left me. I think leap year must be doing its
duty, & its whole duty, from the number of weddings you have attended,
or rather the number of marriages that have taken place, in your immediate
vicinity. I was rather surprised when you told me of J. Rubush's marriage. I
hope they will have a happy sail on the Sea of life. Miss R.P. is not married
yet. I think the report must have been without foundation. I would be a great
looking
somebody to get married would'nt I? Any one that is so diffident as I am, should never think of
such a thing.
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I ask pardon for inviting you to the fair & not telling you
when it was to be. It was certainly oversight in me, but I hope you will grant
my request.
Miss R.P. was not there very unfortunately, but there were some others present, who[deleted: ich] pleased me very much, but I was so bashful, I did not [unclear: do more] than speak to them.
I have never been a visiting but once, since I returned to college, & then I thought every body was looking at me.
I intended going a visiting to night, but the snow, has broken my arrangements.
How is cousin S.P. getting along at C.C. School. I
suppose you have a singing-school there, this winter. I used to have some fine times
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at that beloved spot, but I
declare I don't have them here. But one year longer, then I'll be through, after
this I expect to go South & whip S.C. back into the Union. I am opposed
to Disunion in lots. I have been wishing all day for a
good sleigh. I saw one or two pass by my window. I thank you for ever wishing me
success, if I should, by the grace of God, enter upon the mission I spoke to you
of, which I wished to be kept secret, for special reason.
We have a very good band of students this year, no drinking which was as common last year, as it well could be.
Well you must excuse me for this short & badly written letter. I beg to be excused for tardiness in writing. I'm glad to hear that Nicholas is improving so fast.
I remain your Friend,
J.P.L.
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