Augusta: John P. Lightner to Kate Armentrout,
February 16, 1861
Summary:
Lightner apologizes to Kate for not writing her more often; he then continues to
discuss family, friends, and local social events. He mentions the formation of a
"Union Prayer meeting" in Lexington as well as other cities and towns. It is not
clear if this is a prayer meeting for the benefit of the United States
government or one that involves several different religious denominations.
Feb. 16th 1861
Washington College
Dear Friend;
I recd your letter dated Jan 1st. I was much gratified on its reception. I can hardly realize that nearly 2 months have elapsed since I rec'd it.
Your intentions were very pious, in the beginning of your letter, but they did
not have very much influence on me, as I have been very remiss in not answering
sooner. I have been very unwell for several days. A cold
was so cruel as to catch me by stratagem or I caught it,
one or the other of the ways. I am almost speechless, a certain young [added: lady] manifested a great deal of sympathy for
me, sent me a very nice apple &c. You made inquiry as to how I enjoyed
myself Holidays. In reply, I had a [unclear:
soster
] of a time. I was in need of exercise, corporeal
[page 2]
exercise
especially. You seemed to be very much grieved because I did not come to see
you, when I was so close, & used such an expression, that I had forsaken
you, so true a friend. But I can reply for your consolation, that I have not
forgotten nor forsaken you, though you think my actions may be that way in their
tendency. Oh! no, it could not be possible. I cannot be very punctual in my
correspondence, because I have a great many letters to write, & College
[added: duties] are getting more burdensome. Our
examinations have been going on for [deleted: A] about 3 or 4 week;
had it not been for them I certainly would have responded sooner than now. I
could not well visit you when i was down, for the simple reason that I took home
with me one of my schoolmates, & was expecting him every day to see me,
& furthermore my mammy told me, as I had been away from home so long, I
must stay with her. Had it not been for these two obstacles in the way, with
pleasure I would certainly have visited you. Though you did not demand any
excuse for my selfishness, or whatever term you may give to it, yet I thought I
had better give one "ane way" as the fellow said. You have gotten my likeness at
last. You thought I looked very solemn, most assuredly I did, for had I laughed,
the old machine would have broken into innumerable fragments. That would have
been a pity wouldn't it? You spoke of having relations near town, have not
become acquainted with them yet. One of them came to College bearing a message
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for your old Friend, but we missed each other some how or other,
& I have not gotten it yet. Cannot think who it is from, unless from my
friend Miss Kate. am solicitous to know what it may be.
I remember of seeing Miss Sallie [unclear: McC.] the evening I was down in your neighborhood. I did not think she would recognize me, having been separated so long. How are you getting along with your singing society on the Creek. It would afford me pleasure to attend as scenes there have occured that time can never obliterate from my memory. I can almost imagine my self within the walls of that schoolroom, & mingling my voice with the voices of those who are near & dear to me.
But such days as those have gone a glimmering. I think that was a mighty cruel wish in that young man to make, whom you had reference to in yours. I think I could harly let my tongue use such language, though it [deleted: get] deceives me sometimes, what is Lucian doing anyhow? I heard that Astidore was very sick. I hope he will recover. You spoke of something about war I think there can hardly be any such in this Christian land, I can hardly believe that the cup of her iniquity is yet full, & this require many years, as we are taught in the Bible.
[page 4]
You spoke of getting a Christmas gift a "gold heart." If you have mine
I hope it is not quite so hard as that gold one. Well
I must [deleted: close]
[added: stop] until Society closes. I have again
seated myself to finish this uninteresting epistle to you. I have no news worth
your attention. They have formed a Union Prayer meeting in Lex. A great deal of interest is manifested in it.
You have no doubt read about the Union prayer meeting in some of our Northern
cities. The students of College have a prayer meeting once a week. Sometimes it
is very attended, other times it is not.
Well I must close, asking pardon for this scribble. Remember me, at all times, I close, with the assertion, I remain
your true Friend
Jno. P. Lightner
