.Mjg4.NDAy
Richmond 29 March 1863
I received your letter of last Monday on yesterday
my beloved wife and was much grieved to learn
that dear Ann & Mary had been & still were sick.
I had previously recd. a letter from Mr. Wilmer dated
on the Saturday before, 21 st in which he said that the
girls were sick but were better on that morning. I
hope that by this time all alarming symptoms, at least,
have vanished. I wrote to you about the middle of
the past week, after I recd. Mr. W.'s letter and hope
you have gotten the letter. Mr. Gilmer's return enables
me to send you a trifle or two. In the first place I send
5 lb more of sugar thinking it best to use so good an
opportunity as you say that none is to be had at the
courthouse. I would send more but I loaded Mr. Gilmer so
much before, that I do not wish to send more by him
than is reasonable. I send also a little more soda as it may
be wanted, & a few dough nuts for the darling children as
well as a little harmonica, or whatever they call it for
the amusement of Georgy & Breck; I suppose they can use it
in conjunction without much differing. I was in Mr. Slater's
store the other day ( he keeps store somehow in partnership with
Mr. Heller) and saw two or three plain black fans and altho'
the weather certainly did not suggest it, I thought it would
be as well to get some for you as they will in all probability
be much dearer when the weather becomes warm; I saw also
the 4 pr. of little stockings which I mention in my last letter
and which I bought for darling Lucy Page; the fan & these
I also send and a pack of envelopes; This I believe constitutes
the list, except an old shirt of my own which I must ask you to
have repaired for me. I told you in my letter that if the baby
would want a pair of shoes & they were not to be had ^up there I would
get a pair for her if you would send me the exact length of her
foot (not of her shoe). The egg plant seed I am sorry to say
I cannot find. I have heard nothing about Wmsburg
that is worth mentioning. I have seen Miss Harriet Cary once
and she did not tell me any thing of what you say Mrs. Ball
wrote. I told you in my last letter that Mrs. Coleman
with the Dr. had gone to Warrenton N.C. to live for the present;
I understand however that Mrs. C. has not yet gone altho' she
contemplates joining the doctor (who is there) soon. I hear
that Martha Page is in town; if I can find out where she is
staying I will go & see her. If you know how far off
Chimborazo hospital is you would not ask me to go to see
Mrs. W; but I will try. I went to church on Friday (fast
day) I heard a sermon from Minnigerode: I went also this
morning & heard Bishop Johns who performed the rite of
confirmation afterwards ( at St. Paul's). It rained all day yes-
-terday as steadily as if it had not rained for a month. Today
is partly bright, partly cloudy, gusty & cold. I take good care of
myself I assure you & am perfectly well. I hope you & the dear girls
will remain well my dearest wife. Best love to all & kisses for the
dear children. Kindest regards to Mr. W. & friends. Your R.S.
(I hope you have heard from Bob.)
Mrs. Saunders.