MS 744 - Francis Stewart Papers Transcripts (1864)

January 29, 1864

Findlay, Ohio Jan the29/64

Friend Frank

I will now try to spend a few moments in conversing with you through the medium of a Pencil, as my hand is too nervous to use a pen. I received your letters in due time but was not able to answer untill the present. I have been very low since I saw you with Hectic fever and am just beginning to sit up about two hours at a time. I can walk without being helped. I was bedfast too weeks. I had sinking chills the second week after I came. The first one I had we all thought I was dying. I took it between four or 5 oclo. in the morning my limbs were cold and stiff the death rattle could be heard all over the room. The cold sweat had commenced. I was sure my time had come but I felt calm and resigned not in the least alarmed. The girls did not leave my bedside for a week. John acted the part of a brother in place of a brother in law. He and George set up with me rather than trust in strangers hands. You said you would of come to see me if we had sent you word. It would not of done. Frank the Dr. would not allowed you to see me. I was easily excited, the family could not be in the room at one time, and they dare not admit any one. It is nearly dinner time so I will have to stop. Mag and Add sends their compliments. Write as often as you can and I will do the same but do not think hard when I do not because my nerves will not let me use my hands just when I please. I hope to be able to run around by the time you come over. Your friend as ever

Till

Direct to M.M. Foreman
Findlay Ohio

March 24, 1864

Home- March 24thA. D.,/64

Dear Frank,

I received your kind favor of the 17th on the 19th. I was glad to learn that you were so hapy & also that you had your Commission. I was afraid you would be disappointed when I heard you had Enlisted as a private. Brother George returned from the City last Tuesday, they are bringing on quite a large ststock of Boots & shoes--Mrs. Corey and Adda are both sick. Cornelia England has Dyptheria but is getting better. .

Jim Traded his horse off last week for one just like the Color of your Bill. It [is] one of the nicest kind of riding horses. Ell rode it over to England's. I long to be able to ride it. You know I always liked Bill but this one excells in my estimation. Some of the 49th boys passed here on Tuesday on their way to Tiffin. They were as gay & mery as Larks. They made Dick Clark take off his hat and say he was not a Copperhead. Mr. Russel was with them. He said it did him good just to see old Dick again.

They over took Patterson & Gerton on the road to town & made them hurrah for Brough the[y] whipped Patterson before he would, but Gerton hurrahed 3 times for Brough and passed on.

Mr. Jackson, a brother of Jeff's visited us last week[.] He lives just five miles from our old home. He you never saw any person so disappointed as he was to find me an Invalid. He always thought nothing could faze me. He used to live with us and knew me as well as if I had been an own Sister. He gave me quite a Compliment or rather gave it in my presence, it was encouraging. It was this-- she is getting better looking.

Good wasen't it. I think I will set out. Jennie Enos has just come over. She says Rayne and Birdie is quite sick with measles. Ettie is just getting better. Callie says the Docktors does not allow her to come home for fear she will take the measles too & Mrs. Cramer is not able to leave. I am ashamed to acknowledge that any female can be so hardened that they will act as she does with her Child.

Jennie bro't some things over to send to Tom with Jim for Callie's. He declares he wouldn't take them. He is agoing today.

Expecting to hear from you soon. I will close my best regards to Frank.

Truly Your Friend,
Till

May 17, 1864

May 17thA. D., /64

Dear Frank,

I am feeling so much better I thought I had best write a few lines to you, In answer to a Letter received about a week ago from you. I have not been able to write sooner. My general health is much better than when I last wrote you. I walked out to the Garden, escorted by Mrs Cooper & sister Ell to see my Flowers[.] it was quite a treat. Every thing looks so different to me, so Lovely, so Charming. I can see the hand of God in all things, even the grass in the fields looks more beautiful than ever before.

We received a letter from Sister Mag the 14th saying Adda and Sophie were coming out this week to stay a while. Add has not been at Home to stay over Night without John since the time Hays & you were here. What a nice time we had. I love to look back and review the past- it Cheers a person in lonely hours. = = Mrs. Corey received a Letter from Addason. He writes that brother George had been discharged and was on his way home. He was not at Hom[e] when Maggie wrote.

Well, Frank, I have just eaten my Dinner. It consisted of Crackers & coffee made of Peas, (I dare not drink Tea and Coffee, my nights-sweats are worse when I do). I have got both Chills and sweats broke so nearly that I don't have them for nearly a week at a time. I had almost forgotten to tell you how this change was effected. A friend of ours came to spend a few days with us. She watched me by day and slept near me at Night so doing she could see my Symptoms. Being an invalid, she understood my case better than any of our family did. She said it was not my Lungs that ailed me and I had better not anything for them. She told us what to do and gave directions on how I should be treated and advised me not to run around any more than I could help. Since then I have been better. She also wanted Jim to promise to take me to her house as soon as I got able to ride and she could do me good.--

We received a letter from Brother John a few days ago. He is well, he had seen your brother James. He sayed he felt almost at Home when he saw them. Hattie Pelton is quite sick with Congestion of the Stomach. Emma calls to see me every week. Mrs. Corey is no better. Dr. Livers is attending her. Jim says she looks bad.

Callie received a letter from Rob a few days ago. He was well. He sent her Sixty Dollars in it. She told that he allowed her to spend it all. She did it Too and you would not know what she got for it if you should see her. I do not believe Rob or any other sensible man would like to have their hard earnings thrown away in that stile. please keep this to yourself.

Ellie is Sweeping and she bothers me so you will have to excuse me if I do make a lot of mistakes. She has been sick with a cold for several weeks. Mothers health is better than when I last wrote you. She don't take one bit of care of herself. She goes out in the rain and runs all around the farm if it is damp. She thinks she feels better when she roams at will. Well Frank, Ell says I must not write any more at this time. She thinks I have set up too long now. You know I never know when to quit Talking when I commence.

My love to you,
As Ever Your Friend,
Till

P.S. My Mr. Richardson is Lying with Smallpox at Freemont and that to bad
Good bye

May 26, 1864

At Home. May 26th/64

F.R. Stewart,

I remember one week ago yesterday to here received a letter written by you--but he same person who brought it over also was the carrier of a telegram--which took me immediately to the depot and thence to Sandusky. Ann's husband being very sick with fever-- but who recovered so far--in Less than two weeks as to be able to return home with me on Monday last. They will probably remain at home with us until Muller is again able to study.

I give these terms by way of excuse for not having answered earlier. The success with which the army (in which you have the honor to be) moved upon Dalton--occupying it so victoriously-then driving the enemy from Riscea was admirably looked upon by our people. Would that this success might ever attend the movement of the armies battling for the Right. The whole North is again waiting--as in breathless silence- some thrilling news from the forces around the Rebel Capitol. With strong confidence in the Lieutenant General. Would that all praying hearts might entrust him to the guidance & protection of our God.-- & to Him who Ruleth the Spheres- should be given all the honor and glory. May God save our Nation- & draw all hearts to say--"and Thine be the Kingdom & the Power & the Glory forever."

You who have been in active service so long- do hardly know what it is to be at home in the North, where is peace and plenty--looking upon & waiting for the transaction of the great National Revolution which shall set us as a people upon a basis of true freedom and reunite us into a happy Country. This "looking on"--while our brave \r & great hearted brothers & friends are helping to make the History of our beloved Land- is more painful to bear then if we were more actively engaged ourselves--in part of the Work.

And I here often wished myself on the battlefield--after the guns were silenced- to silence in the best[?]--a wounded & perhaps dying soldier. But here we poor Fostorians are so far severed-- from even a Hospital. But, I will write to those who write to me. I will give my mite the Commission--& I trust Our Father will also hear the prayer of a weak heart to work out a Great Good from the Evils of War.

Let me hear from you again
Truly your Friend, Sarah

June 29, 1864

At Home

June 29th/64

Dear Frank

With pleasure I seat myself to respond to your kind favor of the 9th which I received the 25th but have not been able to write sooner. Rob Cellars is at Home discharged on account of his health. He looks bad. Also A.D. Stewart is back although I have not seen him since his arrival. I heard he was looking well. Sisters Mag and Sophie were out a few days ago. Mag's health is not very good this summer. Adda has a Cough this Summer. Nellie and Mary Coney went to Findlay on a visit last week. We have had quite a rain since. Do you wonder. by way Mary wishes me to Thank you for the Photograph you gave her when you were at Home. Mrs. Stewart, Mrs. McMeen and Mrs. Nestleroad called on me last week, I think. Mrs. S. does not look as well as she did last winter. Although she does not complain of poor health she is so good to me. Always brings me a Bouquet. You know I am a lover of flowers. I will send you a Rose off my bush. The Language is Friendship. I passed [pressed?] it for you. Judge Coreys wife in Findlay sent me some of the nicest Flowers I ever saw. [illegible] some new flowers just sent to Tillie. O Frank and have some of the best friends ever was. If it had of had of been my lot to of been restored to health and could Thank God with a full heart for this sickness. I have found out who my friends are. As it is I will pray God to bless them for the happyness I have enjoyed while Lying on a sick bed. How good God is to me. I should like to talk about one hour to you. But when I think why you are away I am willing to converse through the medium of the Pen with you knowing it is your duty to fight for our Noble Country. I almost believe this war will end soon. Some times things look dark, but the Army of the Potomac is progressing finely and that gives a bright side to look on.

Grant is a noble fellow. I must tell you about some of the wives of our Independent boys. Some go around with melancholy faces saying my husband never will be back again. Richmond never can be taken and he will be killed while Mary Chilcoat made a raising and put up a fine Barn while Sam is away. She is the kind of woman to leave at Home.

Eliza J. Dysinger is not expected to live she has Consumption. They sent for Hayes yesterday they thought her dying. I have not heard from since June 20th. Don came down last evening. I thought I would postpone my writing untill this morning. This is quite a wet day. It rained so hard this morning. The crops were suffering for want of rain. Farmers feared their Oats would be a perfect [illegible] this year on account of the dry weather and heat but this rain will give them a start. It rained so hard yesterday--how I love to see it rain. A Storm is beautiful when there is no wind to destroy things. I like to hear the Thunder and see the Lightning as it flashes through the sky occationly touching the earth.... You asked me to excuse you if you did not write once a week to me. I will certainly not ask you to do anything for me that is imposible for you to do. I would love to hear from you everyday but do not ask you to write when I know you are tired and need rest. Honestly I do not get a Letter from you under three weeks. So one third of yours have been lost if you have been writing once a week. The first 3 weeks I received one every Saturday. I think it very strange that since then I do not get all you write. I get a Letter in 9 days after it is wrote from you.

Don't you remember Lib Decker (now Mrs. Redick of Findlay). I heard you speak of meeting her when you was visiting some Ladies in Sennaca Co. she is lying with Consumption poor Harry I pity him. He loved his young wife so well they were so hapy together but report says she cannot live long.

Well I must close for present with due regards I am so ever

Your Friend

Till

July 21, 1864

Home--July 21st/64

Dear Friend Frank

I will endeavor to pen a few lines for your benefit this morning. Although the morning is pleasant it is quite Cool. Very different from the discription you gave of the Southern Climate in your Letter of the 7th, although we have had some very warm Days here. You asked where I spent the 4th. I spent it in bed. I was not able to sit up when I ate. I had to be proped with Pillows. I was bedfast one week. When I tried to get up I would cough or get so dizzy headed I had to lay down. Day before yesterday I was quite sick. Nellie has told me since that I was deranged part of the day, but Thank God I am better today. I have just taken a glass of eggnog to strengthen me enough to write you. You often tell how you have to write your Letters. I will return the Compliment by giving you a short description of my position. I am sitting in front of the Stove with the stove plate for a stool, a large pillow to my back, a shawll around my Shoulders and Nellies meat board across the arms of my chair for a writing desk, my Ink stands on a Chair at my side. Get ahead of this if you can sir Lieutenant. I just thought of the expression you made about Mollie Bosslers Letters always complaining it almost makes me regret what I have written. I do not want you to think me complaining. I do not want such an Idea formed at all by any of my friends. Christ sent this affliction and I am willing to bear it for his sake. How many brave ones have fallen since last we met. Glancing over the daily, I saw the names of several of the 49th also Col. Rice of the 57th. Lt. Wallace has gone to meet his once Intended bride he was engaged to a Miss Wolf of Findlay some time before this cruel war broke out. She died the same Fall he enlisted while he was in the South. I think her disease was Typhoid fever. I have forgotten. Mother and Jim were out to Mags this week. Mother brought me some pieces of Stone that George sent home. They are priceless treasures I can tell you. A Token of a brothers Love while in a distant Land. I feel sad every time I think of the feelings I had for Dick last Spring. I have earnestly prayed for forgiveness. I trust I am forgiven and know all I will have to do with George is to ask his forgiveness and all will be well although he does not know I was angry at him. I have not written to him since he left on account of my health. Writing is very hard on me[.] For that reason I only correspond with brothers Frank and Johnny. Soph[i]a takes my place in writing to him now but not in his heart for there is room for both there yet. Of course she will share the largest part of his affections but that will not make him think the less of his sisters. Brother Jim is asleep on the Lounge. He has a Catarrh on his right hand. It is very painful, it broke last Night. That accounts for his sleeping to I can sympathize with him. Knowing the pain produced from such a gathering, the farmers are busily engaged [illegible] their wheat. This does not seem like Harvest at all to everything is so quiet. Rosa and your Mother was over about a week ago. Don called since they were here the family were then well. I do wish we could be certain of our Letters reaching their destination. I could tell you some things that surprise you but dare not for fear of others seeing and publishing. I will say this far, some of our young Ladies are so brave they can steal 75 dollars at once. Oh yes Frank, Rob and Callie have applied for Jerries farm don't that beat you. Jerrie spent quite a while with them Sabbath. Whether they will get the farm or not I cannot say it was refused when first applied for. It is reported that John Keefer is dead.

I had the pleasure of seeing some beautiful flowers which bloomed on the Prairies of Illinois. They were pressed but certainly lovely still I would love to see them in natural state. Mollie Searles sent them. She helps her father farm. She helped plant corn cane Potatoes and is gathering Sheaves during harvest. She is truly a noble girl. If my faculties for writing were as good as hers I would tire my friends to death writing when able.

Uncle Sammy Chilcoat spent the afternoon of the 4th with us. He is deeply in Love with Illinois. He gave some charming descriptions of his flying visit there he says he cannot say enough for the beautiful Location of the State. I cannot think of anything more to write. I have chilled since I commenced this and have quite a fever not which rather flustrates me as Nell says when she cant think of anything. Oh yes Pappa bought me a new dress this week wont I take a Stiff in it and my carriage when Ell makes it. Well I will close this scribling hoping to hear from you soon.

With much Love I as as ever remain
Your friend
Till

August 9, 1864

Kings Corners Thursday

August 9th AD/64

Dear Frank

With great pleasure I seat myself this evening to respond to your kind favor of July 24th. I am sorry to hear of your being among the wounded. I hope you will be able for duty soon. Your other wound was so long about healing you may not get over this as soon as you expect to, but if you put your trust in God he will help you bear your aflictions with patience knowing that he doeth all things right and those light aflictions are to remind us of the great obligations we are under to him. In his word we are told whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth. This passage has been a great comfort to me. I feel more willing to suffer all the afflictions sent upon me if Christ repays us in his love. I hardly know what to say about my health. I do not know whether I am better or not. I am so weak all the time I have not Chilled but once for 2 weeks on the 22nd of last month I thought I could not live untill midnight the day you was wounded. I commenced getting better about that time and am now able to walk around again. I am so subject to such spells that I hardly dare say I am better at any time. You asked what I was doing that sweet Sabbath morning while you were writing to me and where I was. I lay in a deep sleep in my bed all forenoon. We had no preaching at Union that day. Mrs. Hays spent most of the day with us. We have just heard she is sick but do not know how bad. Nellie is just starting down to see her. The last time she was up I was writing she told me if I was writing to Johnny to give her love to him or if it was Frank to give it to him as I was not writing to either but doing a little business for Jim. I promised to do so the first time I wrote to both. You will please except it now. Jim has a Catarrh on his right hand which prevents him from doing his own writing he run a thistle in his hand about 3 weeks ago while binding wheat. It poisend him and caused a Catarrh.

Friday morning we had company last evening and I had to post pone my writing untill this morning. Adda and came out and stayed all night with us. George has been in 3 engagements lately. He writes that his men fight like veterans. 2 of his company were wounded at Maryland Heights but not severely one in the foot and the other in the hand. Their Dead lay 7 days before they could bury them after the battle at the Heights. Thousands of broken guns were strewn over the ground. Our men had the advantage of the Rebles that time having the woods to protect them. He has not wrote us the particulars of the last engagements. I received a Letter from brother John. He expects to be sent to Richmond. It is reported in their Regt that the 49th is to be sent to them. John is glad of it. John Bossler has been home on furlough. he went to Philadelphia to see Mollie last week returned last Monday left on Wednesday for his company. Mrs. Will Jones visited us last week she gave me her photo. Miss. Rosa Sweetland was married at the commencement of the Delaware University to a Rev. Mr. A. Holbrook.

My friend Ella Stone of Findlay married a Copperhead by the name of Glessner, a son of the Editors and an Editor himself I think. Ella said before she would live under Jeff Davis she would go to Canada. I cannot see the difference between Jeff and Zall [?]. Perhaps she has changed her opinion since I saw her. Frank Diver gave a Party last Wednesday evening Jim and Don were down. Laura and Nan Simmons were there a few minutes they went over to Laura's fathers. Nan wanted Ben[?] to go too but he would not. He does not act as if he cared about Silas atall. Dr. Livers was down a few days ago he took me over to Mis Coopers in his carriage. I had a pleasant time the first time I have been there since November. Mr. Cooper said the Children were so excited they look all morning for me. Because I did not go over as soon as they thought I should. Flora came over to see if I was not able to go. He said it was Laughable to see them watch for me. Well Frank I have just eat my dinner I had roasting ears. Rob and I laugh a good deal over our corn party in the old kitchen some years ago. Does Lieutenant Stewart like Pepper on corn as well as he used to. R sent me some books this morning accompanied with flowers.--

Adda bought me a bouquet from Findlay. I believe I have nothing more to say at present. I shall expect to hear from you often while you are wounded. My kindest regards

As Ever\

Yours

Till Foreman

P.S. The family returns their compliments

August 17, 1864

Home, August 17th, A. D. 1864

Dear Frank,

Feeling rather lonely this dull day. I thought I would sit down and talk with you a few minutes. A good chat with a friend is my way of chasing dull care away, one of the best ways of keeping off the blues. My health is much better than it has been all summer. I spent last Saturday with Mrs. Cellars, the first visit I have made them since Rob came home. Callie's school closed that day. Mrs. Evert's closed yesterday, she had quite a Picnic although it rained all day. Father and Mother attended the first Picnic Ma has attended in Ohio. I received a Letter from sister Sofa a few days ago. She is at her Father's near Nashfront. We are looking for her and George in about a week. Sofia says the Country where her father lives is hilly like my old Home. She thinks if I had only been able to of gone with her it would helped me so much, she hopes I can go the next time. I know I could enjoy myself well but I fear Mother George would have to send for George Foreman to take us home unless she likes noisy girls rather than most of old women.

Mrs. Abe Keefer is lying very sick with congestion of the brain. She smoked and freted after Abe until she destroyed her nervous system altogether. Longfellow says she is liable to drop off at any moment. They Telegraphed for Abe. He has not yet arrived. All and Ell Becker and Sallie Keefer are all down sick. They call their daughter Lena. I received a letter from brother John a few days ago. He has been out on a scout. They chased a band of rebles, mostly Indians across the Smoky Mountains. They burnt a village in N. C. and are now safely back in Loudon, Tenn. without the loss of any of their men except their guide a Citizen of Loudon. Joe Enos wrote that they had killed several rebs while out. John is Promoted to 1st Lieutenancy. He has the Command of Co. F altogether. Three of the officers out of the regt. and a man from each company are to be sent North soon to recruit. I wish John could come but he thinks they will not let him off. Won't your Regt. have to recruit after Atlanta is taken. I saw John Pelton last week[.] He is getting along fine. Oliver Jacobs is quite low. J.P. said he thought his case rather doubtful. Last Wednesday he walked around some in the morning and that evening he could not speak. I have not heard from him since Silas Simmon's Funeral Sermon was preached last Sabbath at Rhohoboth by Mr. Hollopeter also Coonrod[?] Lesley's at Eagleville by Mr. Hays. Cyrus Thommas' widow has sold out and intends to go to her Father's. Report says Morgan Locey is a going to marry Cordely Thommas, Celia's youngest sister[.] She lived with them a great deal before Celia died. He is farming Mr. Thommas' farm[.] His child is dead. Donaldson Stewart waits on Miss Nan Simmons. Don is looking for Rachel McMeen this week.

The Copperheads are getting up in the world it seems they have threatened to burn out all the abolitionists. Dave Hays is buying up all the revolvers he can to be ready for them. Dick Loman says he is not agoing to jine their secret society. If he is not a member, his boys are to be thanked for keeping him out. It would be hard for a Father to fight against his own sons. I heard that Jerry Neslteroad was greatly excited about their breaking out. I think we will have nothing to fear. They are to cowardly to stand a fight. George Clark has gone to the gold digings. By the time he is needed their he will be home on a visit. This looks like a fellon fleeing from justice. As long as they act this way why need we be alarmed. Jim took me down to see Clark's girls about a week ago. Jennie's health is very poor. She has not been well all summer. I fear Leff's marriage has rather made a lasting Impression on her. I don't see why he could not of acted like a gentleman and tell her he was a going to marry and not of acted the Lovers part merely to trifle with an Innocent heart.--- No sensible girl wants a young man to marry them if he does not love her, neither does she want her affections trifled with except in such cases as Richardsons and mine. What a grand time I will have if he comes this winter to claim Lizzy.

When I was condemning Leff I forgot my own little romance but I warned him at first telling him I could play the Coquetts.-- Well Frank I have just finished eating a big ear of Corn, and now will tell a good joke... a carriage and a splendid team of horses drove by a few minutes ago being a rather gay equipage I went to the door to see where it would stop. It halted in front of Mr. Cooper's gate but turned and came back to Mr. Cellar's. Some Ashland relatives expecting to find them in the large frame house Callie boasted of and did not think of stoping at a Log Cabin. I like to see folks found out occasionally it takes them down a little. They have grand times over their. The young couple thinks of staying all winter with Pa and Ma but the old Lady says they shall not. Everything is so dear she can not think it right for Cellar's and the boys to support more than one family. Rob thinks he could put a house himself on the farm and he farm. The old folks won't agree to that. My opinion is they have not the means to go to housekeeping on, they have bought a little to much finery of late to have much money left. He got a splendid suit since he came home and he bro't her a silk dress and a set of bracelets with a great many other little trifles that would cost money. When come to be payed for a short time before he came he sent her a gold bracelet and ring. The ring is nicer than her engagement ring was and you know that was a nice one. She spent his wages as fast as he earned them while he was gone. This gossip is for you alone you know I always told you everything I knew and think of writing just as if I was talking to you. I will tell you all about stolen money when you come home but will not at present. I can't give you the particulars in a Letter. The young Lady concerned was not in need it is natural for her to steal.

I dreamed that you was here last Night. I feel the day is not very distant untill our boys will all come home. I could not feel untill lately that I ever would see this rebellion crushed but it seems as though the Enemy cannot not hold out long and I look forward with a hopeful heart to a happy day in the future when our Noble country will once more be proclaimed the land of the free and the Home of the Brave May God hasten the day.--

We have done our Threshing. Our wheat turned out very poor but the Oats were better than we expected. Farmers will make on their grain this year wheat is $1.50 per bushel. Although everything else is dear muslim that we used to buy for 8cts is 65 at Fosters and 60 at Jerries. Other things are as high accordingly. This reminds me of Mother's stories about goods at the time of the War in 1812. She bought a silk and a white dress before goods fell. She paid almost as much for her white as the silk. We used to think it awful but it now seems natural[.] You don't hear much grumbling[.] It is rather amusing to hear the ladies laugh over their dear Calico dresses as that article is now 50cts a y'd. Everybody seems as happy as if things were on the lowest order[.] How much better this is than to give up and think the world's coming to an end. I presume you have already wished this writing would end but I don't feel in a humor to quit as their is quite a bit of space to fill up yet.--You said in your last you feared you would tire me with Long letters. I assure you you cannot[.] Their is nothing does me more good except a good meal when I am hungry than a good long Letter from those I dearly Cherish. A great many of my correspondents or used to correspondents have made a the same assertion but you see I do not take hints but write as long Letters as ever. I was glad to hear of your wound getting along so well. How very providential it was that you were not killed with a shot that went so near your head. Yes Frank it was necessary you should drop down behind the works Immediately to Thank God for his protecting care over you. I am glad you are one of Christ's soldiers as well as Uncle Sammy's. Your soul is safe if the body is destroyed. It is quite a relief to know if parted by death we can meet in heaven. When a dear Christian friend is called off I feel that they have just gone before and in a few short fleeting years we shall all meet to part no more, I hope to hear from you soon.

Except [accept] my Love and prayers for your welfare

Affectionately Yours,
Till

Goodbye get ahead of this if you can
P.S. The name of my paper is Wood County Gazette edited by Till Foreman of Perry T.P.

December 21, 1864

Home. Dec. 21st/64

Dear Frank,

Almost 2 weeks have passed since I have written, I have been sick ever since I wrote did not feel able to write, in fact could not. I received yours of the 7th and 12th last Friday also a Paper, which I thank you for. Also glad I was mistaken about the Grey affair being cast at me. I have inquired about the young Ladies around Eagleville. Miss Loman went to school in Fostoria a short time[.] She is the only one that has been away except Mag Rosendale and as I said she does not go to school while absent from home. I have no apologies to make for what I said about her as she is undoubtedly the corispondent you spoke of. You know her character without me telling you. If her corispondent is a gentleman I am sorry he is stooping so low as to notice her Letters at all[,] if a Low character it will just suit; such characters are not fit for any decent person to look at. Sister Mag has gone back to Findlay[.] We miss her greatly. It is snowing fast--hope we will have sleighing. I love to see it if I do not enjoy it. Jack Fry's sister Louisa is dead. She died with Consumption was Thursday. How grateful we should feel to God for the watchful care he has over us, while so many are daily passing from our midst. What a narrow escape you had at Franklin it surely was God's watchful care that saved our army. It makes me shudder when I think what danger you were in and heartily Thank God for sparing your life. I fear brother is in danger. Communication is cut off so we cannot hear from him. John is a prety wild boy from the tone of some of his Letters. I fear his soul is not prepared to leave this world. How earnestly have I prayed for him, I will trust God in hearing and answering my supplication hoping he will not let my brother live in their sins but give them that sweet peace that only those that love him know. l I heard from friend Rollie Searles this last week She wrote the 10th of this month[,] is now in Michigan in Berrien Springs while she was on her way from Miles to Berrien the Stage upset, threw her out on the ground with cushions and pashingers [passengers] on her. She Luckily escaped with her left arm dislocated, the rest were not hurt, had to ride several miles in that situation. How severe that would be on her. A cousin of Mrs. Grimms [?] talks of buying Mr. Coopers farm. Will decide in a few days. Mr. M. Bernards have a party tonight. We have our butchering done. I wish you could have some of the sausage we made[.] By the way I wish you would take me to the aid Friday night. They are going to have such a nice time. Will sell a Christmas Tree. I'll buy you a present of it if you do, Leap year will soon be out, you know and then I cannot ask the fellows to take me out. Well, Frank I didnot finish my writing last night and am now chilling[.] Mollie[?] played off sharp last night. They insisted on having the young folks spend an Evening with them. They went last Evening at 8 they had gone to bed. Mol got up looked out--shut the door, went back to bed without once asking them in. Left them standing out. They went to Mrs. Coreys had quite a pleasant evening. I woulden't of thought that of Molli. If they did not want them to come they should not Invite them. I saiahs never treated our crowd so. I used to love to spend evenings their. Jim and Ell are going to Town and I have to quit on this short sheet. I quit yesterday on account of company. Have company now. Always have when I want to write. If able. I will write soon again. Adieu till then.

Your friend
Till