Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]
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Yours of the 17th. & 18th. was duly received tonight. You must keep up as good courage as you can. You have done bravely so far, under the hard circumstances in which you are placed. You have been ten times braver than others who say more. Again I say to you that you must get some older girl or woman than Jane as soon as you can. What have you been thinking of that you have not engaged some one already. I expect every letter to hear that you are sick all alone. We are both in hard places. My anxiety for you almost takes my courage away. I look forward to the time that is to elapse between this and our arrival home with much more anxiety than I ever have before, for I fear for you. And you on the other hand are in trouble on my account. Well, my dear, we must both have more courage and hope that in the hands of Divine Providence all things will be for the best. It is but about three weeks now before our time is out, reckon it the longest that it can be reckoned. It is less than three weeks.
I am much pleased at my nomination, as it ensures me some business for the next year. I am glad to see you act with so much discretion.
You can tell Peckett, if you see him, that I am no more of a Democrat than he is, and that as long as there is a Republican Administration that takes the stand Mr. Lincoln does I shall stand by it with the Union. I wish you would find out what two men went in for Rowell. Rowell is a good fellow, and if I did not want the place myself I should be glad to have him have it. He probably would have got it had it not been for me. I saw him some time before we came out here and had a talk with him and told him that I wanted the office again, but that I would either see him or write to him about it. Just before we left I got a letter from him, but in the confusion and hurry of coming away I neglected to answer it. I think however the case stood entirely different from what it would if I had not been called away from my business entirely. Some probably voted for me on that account who would not had I remained at home.
In regard to a celebration by the Democracy to get the officers &c. I think it can effect nothing. Peckett is a democrat, Andross a Union man and Stearns is the only one who would be likely to be affected by such a thing. He is a Republican. But enough of this. I will add however that the Republicans must do their share.
The idea of an attempt upon Fort Monroe is all nonsense, and I dont think you need
trouble yourself
about any such thing. They can do nothing in this vicinity
unless they have the control of the water & that they cannot get at present. They
will only think of attacking us here if they should beat the Federal forces at
Manasas Junction. When they have done that then they may turn their attention to us
and not before. The repulse of the Union Reconoitering party at Bull's Run is no
indication of what will be the result of the fight when it comes on. There is no
doubt of the result. The Union is bound to whip the Rebels at Manasas.
You seem to think strange that we should attempt surprise cavalry. Footmen are much more effective than horsemen in the vicinity of woods. Cavalry can operate nowhere with advantage except in open level ground. It probably was our scouting party that the Journal had reference to. Our company had the post of honor so said Col. Phelps altho' in the rear of the column. You say you feel sober about our going to Richmond. We shall not go to Richmond, and you need not have any anxiety about.
You ought to have some one with you. You are too down hearted when alone. You know
when at home I always have to cheer you up - and have courage for us both. Can you
not have as much courage as you did when you was gone to Buffalo three months nearly.
I wrote to Mr. Strickland a few days ago. Has he received it? I also wrote Damon. I
suppose
he wrote the reply to Whiskey &c. but you had better not say
any thing about it.
I dont want you to send the Times to Ruggles. I dont know how we can do, unless we have it sent from the Office. I want to keep a file of that paper as it is a good one, for historical facts.
It is getting late and they are hurrying me to stop, as the light attracts the mosquitoes. Prichard has just gone out to make a smudge to burn at the door to smoke them off. We are having a very pleasant evening. All are well nearly. The Capt. has a little touch of the sick headache and John Norcross has a touch of the shakes - while Geo. Norcross has a slight fever. None seriously sick. John has just got his smudge made and it smokes good. I hope it will drive the "skeeters" out. I have written very often lately and will write as often as possible. Let me hear from you as often as you can.
Give my love to Aunt Mary and Uncle Clark. I am sorry to hear that he is so low.
My eyes are so full of smoke that I shall have to stop & Peckett has come in & wants to know when I am going to bed so I must close.
My love to all. Remember me to Charlotte.
Much love, a thousand kisses and lots of courage for my dear wife.
Your affectionate husbandRoswell Farnham