Transcription

may thank the Musicians for recalling my perhaps

wandering pen.  Could I now only hear those exquisite

strains repeated in the sweeter notes of your Melodeon &

by proximity enhances the pleasure I would compose my-

-self to rest to night with as sweet satisfaction as

ever lulled a Soldier to rest, or softened the couch

made doubly hard by many a rough circumstance. –

Did I say my ungovernable pen had again run away

with reason & propriety? Well – so it seems!  and in perfect

despair of ever recalling it to do proper sphere. I must stop!

But No!  I crave a moment longer! (pardon my pertin-

-acity) – I am told that "my General" is going to

leave the Deptmt. with which I have been so long & so

pleasanety associated, and I scarcely know how to express

the real regret I feel in having her so far removed.

Can you not dissuade her from this project?  Tell

her that her Command will become completely demoralized

and when she returns, she may find it, as rebellious &

as unruly as a want of discipline can make it.  Her

mild & admirable administration has secured her the services

of as faithful & obedient a subordinate as ever was

honored with such a Commander – So as she values the

status & efficiency of her Command, let her beware how

She leaves it to the influences which surround it &

which are certainly dangerous in the extreme.

Do tell Miss Virginia that although so far from her,

any way, I will still feel her absence from Ingleside

& insist on a very speedy return. – But I forget

in my own sincere regret the superior claims you have

& what your regret must be. – Why! what will you

do with out her bright – smile – her cheerful voice –

that always imparts such a charm to every presence

[Continues on marginalia at top of page]

[Marginalia – top of page]

She fills. – Were I present when she left,  I do not

know, but that I might forget that you had delivered

my last messages even re-deliver them myself

but unfortunate [I] unless my favorite General inspires

[continues on Pg3 marginalia]