Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]
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Your letter written in Charlestown the 6th. was rec'd yesterday. I had written you a letter which went back by the same train that yours came on directing it to Bradford, as you had written that you thought you should go home tomorrow - (Tuesday) I am sorry that I have not known where you was to be more certainly for I should have sent you some more money. I am afraid you are getting short & wish you to have all you need. I sent you the $5.00 that Lufkin paid me & am sorry that I did not send ten or twenty.
You see that we are in the same
place that we have been in for a week.
How long we shall stay here I dont know. I dont think we shall stay long unless
we have reinforcement. When I was out visiting the pickets yesterday morning I
saw about thirty five rebel cavalry on the opposite side of the river. Six of
them came down to the ford near where Nelson & I were. After we left they
came & talked with an old negro with whom we had been talking. They are
keeping watch the same on the other side of the river that we are on this. I
reported to Col. B. & by his order went up to Bealtown (four miles up the R.
R.) where Stoneman's force was encamped after some cavalry. I saw Genl.
Stoneman. He could give us no help as he was then packing up for Falmouth. It
was a splendid sight to see such an immense cavalry force break camp &
start. I afterwards found the 7th. Michigan &
Col. Mann took two
companies & started on a scout in the direction of the ford & so round
towards Warrenton. It is very quiet here now but how long it will be I dont
know.
Today has been the warmest day of the season. It is like summer. I heard a piano this afternoon for the first time since I heard you play. It was at a Mr. Bowen's. His daughter played. She is secesh to the back bone, if a lady may be supposed to have so vulgar a thing. Her last tune was entitled "Run, Yankees, Run, or Jackson will catch you." The old man owns the whole country about here. He is more Union than the rest of the family.
Nelson is entirely well. He has been a fishing today, but I dont know what luck he had for he did not bring anything home.
I dont think it best for you to
come to Washington again. When you have
finished your visit you had better go to Bradford. I want you to be there some
time before I get there so as to make things a little comfortable. If anything
happens I will send you word at once. You want to me to stay at home & say
that you will do every thing you can to please me if I will. I hope you will
remember your promise after I get home. You have made such promises before, but
always forgot them. Write often & direct the same. If you get short of money
get some of Ben & as soon as you get home you can get some of Batchelder
& repay him. Have money enough & dress well, - look pretty - Drink
porter & get fat - Dont forget the porter -
Love to all who enquire.
Much love & many kisses.
Yours affectionatelyRos.