August 12, 1861 [fragment]

I was very much pleased with Mr. Matthews letter and will take good care of it for you, but it is not pleasant to have every body do so much for you and I cannot do anything, but I am determined not to be outdone and have thought of a little in my power which may add to your comfort. At least I hope it will give you pleasure to know I thought it would while engaged in preparing it. I was disappointed this morning. I did not receive some letter from you, but nothing came but a Reporter from Mr. H. which I merely glanced at as the telegraphic news contained no interest for me. I am glad you do not object to John having your ambrotype. I have not given it to him yet but will as I really think he would appreciate it and is deserving of it. I thought I would see how you felt on the subject as I did not know and was by no means anxious to incur your displeasure. I sent the ones you requested me to Cahaba sometime since but do not know whether it has been received or not but hope it arrived safely. The case of the last one you sent was badly broken but the ambrotype not harmed. It is very good and I value it almost as much as the small one I have. My mother wrote me from Nashville last week but is I suppose now in Kentucky. I am anxious to hear from her, and I believe with half a chance would return there myself as I am getting anxious and fancy a change would be very agreeable and would not feel the least fear to be there and to tell the truth nothing would please me more than to be there when fighting commences as I would like to see my state struggling for freedom.

In the last week I find I do most heartily detest the Yankees and I am not half so sorry as when I first heard how many poor scamps were killed and wounded and hope next time there will be so many that we will have no more trouble and they may be ready to try peace and nothing else.

Selma was very dull and warm when I left, and I am really enjoying the quiet of the country. I hear no news of any kind—at least have not so far, but when the weather is clear expect to take some nice rides on horseback and may pick up some information then—or better I hope letters at the post office, for I am very anxious to get some news from you and cannot make a long visit unless they send me some letters from Selma. I felt Miss Goodwin trying to get up tableaux. I offended her, I am afraid, because I declined having anything to do with them. They are for the benefit of the volunteers who will never be forgotten at any rate by those who are particularly interested.

Tuesday, August 13

I had written you such a long, dull letter yesterday that I laid aside my pen in disgust, hoping today to finish and make myself more agreeable, but you must excuse me this letter and next time I’ll try and do better. Cousin Jane and myself have been knitting hard all day on a pair of socks for Dr. Baptist, who returns tomorrow and will carry my letter for me. I have knit a sock today and fancy I have accomplished some grand achievement and feel very proud, but so tired that my fingers fairly ache and pain me. I have been thinking of you this evening and would give anything to have you seated beside me on the porch for a long, good talk, just at the hour too when I always feel a little sad, between seven and eight o’clock [] am now alone writing in, I may say, almost darkness, but I must finish my letter in order to send it before breakfast. I have nothing more to add of interest and fear my letters are becoming very tiresome and exceedingly similar, but I told you I would make no more apologies for anything letter shaped I sent you. I am hopeful of letters tomorrow from you again and do not believe you enjoy my letters as much as I do yours, and I always feel happy when you [] time even to write me a few lines, and I assure you I appreciate your kindness in writing so. But night forces me to put aside reluctantly my pen, and I must bid you goodbye. Write to me soon a long letter and with a prayer that God may bless you and restore you soon to me in safety, I am with much love every your,

Devoted Elodie