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24 August 1862
Powell Papers – 65 P875, Box III, Folder 1
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The very day my Darling Charlie was killed. (this line was added to the letter at a later date – It is in Selina’s handwriting)
Sunday evening Aug 24th 1862
Darling Nina –
You see I got safely down on
Friday – I had a tolerably pleasant ride,
though I found it very hot before I arrived
at the Depot, when I did not find any
one waiting for me – Your Father had
been there till 9 o’clock the two previ
ous evenings & had concluded that I had
recd his later letters telling me I had
better defer my visit till the arrange
ments on the road should become regular
again – However I got here about 5 o’clock
& the Conductor put me into an omnibus
which brought me safely here, charging
me $1.50. I found your Father at the house,
He still looks yellow, but says he is
very much whiter than he was & he
seems quite well. He went to church
this morning & heard a very handsome &
excellent sermon from Mr. Minnegerode
I did not see any body that I know ex-
cept Willie Haxall & Miss Maryanne
Mason – Your Father pointed out the
President & his lady to me – The Pres...
[2]
has a pleasant face when he speaks
as I saw him do several times as he
was coming out of church – Frank is
here today – I feel right much out of my
element here, the only lady among so
many gentlemen & it is very lonely
for your Father was not here more than
an hour & a half all day yesterday.
He don't get in till ½ past 3 – stays till
about 5 – then if he has any thing to
attend to, he must do it then as he
has to be back at the office at 6 –
I did not have his trunk yesterday, so
I was peculiarly lonely with nothing to do.
There is a report here today that there
was fighting at our lines beyond Gordons
ville yesterday - & it seems to be believed,
though I don’t think any thing is positively
known – It is reported that Lee has
crossed the Rappahannock & that he
pushed Pope so rapidly that he had not
time to burn the bridge – You will know
more than I do now from the tomorrow’s
paper – I pray God deems Charley may be
safe! How do you get on with Emma?
I think if I were you I would tell Mrs Redd
[3]
that you have no objection to taking
little Miss Edmonds if she wishes it –
though I wd rather you wd not have
any more scholars besides her –
Your Father enjoyed very much the
apples & peaches I brought with me –
They got here very fresh & nice indeed.
He desires his regards to the family
& thanks Mrs. Watkins for the nice
Apples she sent him – Give my
Love to Mr & Mrs Redd & Mrs W. &
Pattie – Love to dear Becca –
Your father wrote to her yesterday
as soon as I hear any thing more
from Charley I will write again
God bless you darling –
Your Mother S Powell
Tell Rebecca if she writes to
Edward she had better enclose
To me & I can send it on –
He is at Gordonsville – probably
I am perfectly well -
(note: Mrs. Powell is referring to Mrs. Mildred Watkins and her daughter Miss. Pattie Watkins)