.NDg.NTM
From Annie Scott,
“Lizzie married “Red”? 1869
Maryland July 3rd 1863.
My Dear Lizzie –
Your letter was some days
ago rec’d but I was away from
home & feeling so very solicitous
on Mr Berkeley’s [underscored] account. Have
postponed replying ‘till now-
Don’t say I have Mr. B. now for
an excuse on all occasions, 'tis only
this one time. While the Yankees
have had him in such a tight
place in Tennessee. I heard from
him yesterday, and all was quiet
again. As I am at the disposal [underscored]
of my Friends - I enjoyed your
letter so much. ‘twas chunky [underscored] &
interesting [underscored] like yourself. Why didn’t
you write a longer [underscored] one? I enjoy
my friends [underscored] in "singlewretchedness"
just as much now as before I
gave them the right hand of fellow^ship,
made them a low kirchie [underscored] & departed
from them. In order to have
my friends along with me to
find the intricate paths [underscored], & by-
paths [underscored] of my future journey in
life I say to you Lizzie in the
language of some before me- “go
thou & do likewise”?-Instead
of saying Uncle Richards is the
first marriage in the family for
twenty two years & perhaps the
last [last three words underscored]. Let his be only the first
to move the ball & you keep
it up. Don’t think me silly in
saying this to you, but didn’t I hear
you say when I saw you last, you
wished [underscored] you were a widow [underscored]? How
can you! unless you take the first
step [last two words underscored]! But away with such [obahs?],
however I know if a few of Miss [double underscored]
Lizzie’s particular friends (gentlemen)
could read this, they would no doubt
be willing for me to write often
to Miss Lizzie on the subject.
And you really talked to the [Priest?] [underscored]
Why didn’t you ask him to do[??] [underscored]
to the “Devils tattoo”? you were
fingering so diligently, I should
like to have seen you. I hope you
talked sensibly [double underscored] – mind you tis
Alice Scott [name underscored] talking to you now.
I know you enjoyed the Army trip
anything of the sort I know
how you reveled in it. And the
old fellow if a century or so really
was taken with you or was it [?]
[?] or a mutual flash [underscored] in the
pan? Perhaps he is the man [underscored]
to widow you [last two words underscored]. You are quick [underscored] naturally
so I needn’t suggest anything. Poor
Red [underscored] he is too healthy [underscored]. He would
most likely so you through so I fear
his youthful aspirations will be
[missed?] [underscored] Mr Wise was here a few
days ago. Passed through the
County en route from Halifax to
look up deserters. Had a squad [underscored]
with him & was as pleasant as
ever tho I did not see him
being away at Watkins (Peytons)
We were all delighted at the idea
of your visiting in this summer.
do come. boys are few and far
between but you & me. Don’t care
about that do we? Annie & Ellen
wish to see you very often. Come
with a heap to tell us. Rock [underscored]
is at the plantation fattening & will
be frisky by the time you come.
if not, old Bon [underscored] shall be at your
disposal [underscored]. Write soon if you don’t
find me too boring. Love to Bessy [?]
Sue & all. All send love with the hope
of seeing you up soon. Your aff friend
Alice S. B.
