Mary [E. Farnham] to Henry
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I have just received your letter of the 20th. I am glad that you have passed the
examination so well, and are on the road to knowledge. I think you were wise to
room at a private house, then your studies will not be interrupted by calls at
unreasonable hours. Anything I can do I will. I used up my curtains some time
ago. But when I get home I will let you have a picture or two. But if I am well
I shall not see Vermont until June. But Henry I do think you ought not to have
excited my curiosity by telling me I ought to be
home, and not give my
any reason for your saying so. I have not done any think I am ashamed of, or
that other ladies have not done before me. Even Generals wives stay in camp with
their husbands, and now there are ten or twelve ladies in this Brigade living in
Camp. As for expense I live much cheaper than I can board with Uncle Dan or with
any of my friends in Boston, so I cannot divine the reason. Tell me or I shall
not feel at all satisfied. I go to Washington when this Regt. moves and not
before if I am well. I shall remain there a while, as I can get boarded very
reasonably.
This Regt. is liable to move at any moment. There are a good many sick in camp
now. We have been having very bad weather. I received a letter
from
Zeke tonight. He says he weighs 142 pounds! I think he is in a good condition.
He will come to Washington to see me. I expect a letter from Cousin Jennie
Bayley who is going to New York the first of March so I can stop in New York a
few days on my journey, with her. I have a boarding place engaged in Washington
where I can board at a reasonable price. I have today received a letter from a
lady in Vermont who came out with me and returned two weeks ago. She says "Be
sure and not come north until it is warmer for the cold goes right through me."
It is so different from the climate here. You do not know how much better my
lungs are here. I may go directly to Bradford if I should I shall stop and see
you if it would be agreeable where you board for I am in hopes you will be
settled nicely, and acquainted before I go home. Yet the Regts
are under marching orders now. But I do not
think they will be called upon to march, for this is a
very important
post to hold. If they move I move to Washington, Mrs.
Peach, Mrs. Stearns and I. Zeke says in his letter that he has not heard from
you in a long time. Now be sure and write to him. I have had two letters from
you and Zeke on the same day. The last two.
I wrote Father a long letter the other day and one to Laura.
Now Henry I want you to answer my questions I have asked you Particularly for I shall not be so apt to write often if you do not tell me why I ought to come home, and who made the remark! Ros wishes to know.
Now I think of it you can have a picture I have and Marshal can get it framed. But I will tell you where it is when I hear from you again. Be sure and write immediately for various reason. Do not fail to tell me what you said you would in your next letter for Ros will be very angry if you do not.
You need not let any one see this letter.
From your sisterMary E. Farnham
P.S. Col. Farnham says he thinks you had better keep on in your Latin.
I believe there are some sheets that were Mothers and a quilt I think Mother Johnson can find that will go for an under quilt. Grandma J. will let you have a couple of towels. I wish I was there to get you ready, but can help you when I do get there if nothing happens. Mary