Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
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To day is Monday and I can see you in imagination bending over, your wash tub
hard at work & thinking how much easyer it will be when your cistern is
filled and pump in working order Nothing new here. We have had no mail since I
last wrote but expect a steamer in from N.York at Newbern every hour. Last night
was our coldest and ice froze in my pail out doors 3/4 in. I am not in my new
house as I expected a week since but I dont see any thing to hinder getting in
now in 3 or 4 days. It is quite a stylish building 18 by 36 feet & my room
is 18 by 12 I have got a man putting up a chimney this morning. I have got a new
Darkey now my old one had a wife at Yorktown so could not stay The one I have
now is Darkey all over
and very full of his tricks, his name is
“John Franklin” I showed him your Photo and he said " I reckon your missus is a
right smart woman". so you see he is not a fool. Jewett was just in and his head
did not keep very quiet, you know he keeps it on the wag. The train has whistled
and I hope there may be mail but almost know there is none I will stop a moment.
The train has passed and no mail. I will enclose a line for D. Heher to get him
to make a pair of Boots. Have you recd the two hundred Dollars yet. I hope you
will excuse this little nasty letter but it is the best I can do today. I hope
to get Cads & Peds Photos in your next. Kiss them for me. With much love I
remain your devoted affectionate Husband
V.G. Barney
There will be some other things I will want sent with the Boots I will let
you know in my next
V.G.B