Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
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Yesterday I recd two letters from you, one containing the Photo and I assure you
it was a treat to me to see my dear little ones as they look at home. You did
not have them taken in their every day clothes as I desired but perhaps it is
just as well as they are. It seems that Carrie is quite poor. I am afraid she
runs and races too much. or what is the reason she looks so thin? I presume it
is just as well if she is only healthy Fred looks as cross & sober as can be
I am glad his disposition is not what one would judge it from the picture. I am
very much obliged for them and while I am away from you it will afford me much
pleasure to look at the Photos of my dear little family
As usual
your letters arrive by twos and I dont think it can be avoided in any way for
the boats run at this season of the year very irregularly and you will have to
do as I do write and start them off and not try to hit any boats. I saw by the
St Albans papers that Elisha is making his war speeches around the country. I
fear had I gone after recruits my speeches would have been very brief and
perhaps it is well I did not go for much would have been expected of me and but
little realized. I am glad you have got Ben to stay with you during Marys
absence and if he suits you and you can get along with the rest of the tribe of
C- perhaps you had better keep him all winter It appears that enlisting is going
on lively all over Vermont and I have some hopes of get our regt filled up. it
will be fine when we once more have a good long string of men to command.
To day we anticipated having some sport Turkey shooting but Col R-
had to go out on expedition to the vicinity of Swansboro to recapture a lot of
salt which was on board of a schooner and blown ashore about 6 miles so. of S- I
dont expect him back till tomorrow night. he took 75 of our men. I’m sorry to
hear of Mothers poor health again. It seems she has more than her share of
afflictions. Every thing goes on here as of old. My house is abt finished &
I shall move in tomorrow It has cost me about $10 for my share of expenses but
if we remain here all winter it will pay. I hope my dear you will try and
content yourself till I again am with you I feel that it is hard to be so long
separated, but under the circumstances I have no doubt as to what is best or
what is my duty. be of good cheer for there are happy days in store for us. Love
and kisses to you & the children.
Affectionately Val G B-