Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
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I received a letter from you yesterday dated the 14th - & I was glad to know
the children were getting along so well I of course questioned the Dr about
Fred’s simptoms and he says he dont think there is any thing to prevent both
getting along well I hope in your next to hear that he is doing as well as
Carrie- The great thing to avoid is exposure to the cold air- To day is Sunday
and when I tell you what I have been doing you will call me a naughty man- I
have just come in from a horse back ride. I went out to Bouge Sound Block house,
to make Capt Kelley & Lieuts Ballard & Kelley a call (Lt. Ballard by the
way is the one Father saw on the cars) It is a very pleasant ride out there
being about 3 miles Col Ripley’s Brother “Charley” who is here on a
visit & Lt Bascom (Act Adj’t) from Milton went out with me- I rode the colt
or Fanny as I call her. She is getting to be a very nice riding horse and I
could sell her any day for $125- but shall not let her go till I got my other
one from home. I want Sergt Meigs when he comes to bring the horse with him for
I dont know of any other chance to get him her now- but perhaps he will not be
well enough to come soon- We expect our new recruits here in a very few days
probably this week then I will have lots to do- Tomorrow I have to go down to
Morehead City- having been detailed on a military commission to investigate
certain claims against the Govt by citizens for damages to lands &c &c
&c I dont know how long it will take me but hope not more than one or two
days.
I am to be President of the Board and will have to get on my
dignity and make myself noticable.
You may expect to see a dignified old gent when I go home- Every one thinks me about 40 years old- and a church member at that probably a deacon It seems the Boots are ready. I hope they are not heavy, nor long legged for I have a pair of that kind which cost me $12- and the ones I want now should be light- You may send them any way- and if you have any currant wine to spare send me some & a few pounds of sausages a couple of white linnens HKfs- one or two pairs of light socks- (not cotton) You need not send them till I write again come to think- perhaps I will think of something else by that time- I am glad Mary is again with you she must be quite a maiden I believe Charley Dorman thinks her pretty nice- give her a kiss for me Also Carries & Freds scabby faces
Affly Val