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Blenheim November 29th 1863

Sunday Morning

Dear Nina

It has been almost a week since I received your last

letter, and as we have no church today I will spend a little while

with you. You will be greatly shocked to hear of poor Carrie

Hobson's death, but not more so than we were to witness it. This

day two weeks ago she was taken with headache and pain in the back

of her neck, [noonday?] took her bed then found had typhoid fever, but

we thought all the week that she would have it lightly. Saturday night

Dr. H said at the supper table that he thought she would be out in a few days

At nine that night she complained of something rising in her throat

and upon examination the Dr. found that perforation of the bowels had

taken place and that she was even then becoming cold in death. All that

night I never saw such mental agony as her father endured or

such bodily agony as she suffered. She was not at all alarmed at the

prospect of death, but her bodily agony was so great, we could not tell

the condition of her mind. She died at [seven?] in the morning last

Sunday Morning. Decay took place so quickly that we were obliged to

lower her body into the ground Monday morning without waiting

for a minister. Cousin John was with the army and we had to send 25

miles for Mr. Berkley. Tuesday morning the funeral services were

performed. Those few days were days of great suffering. I do not

like to think of them, but I made some friends who I hope will make

my time here more pleasant. Dr. Hobson's niece Fannie Harris came on Sunday

morning and staid until Tuesday evening, and we had everything to do together and

took a great fancy to each other. I like her better than any one I have seen

for a long time. She reminds me of Lizabeth and of Mattie Page. Kate Con-

rads friend has red hair, but I think is very pretty. She asked me to come

to see her and said she was coming up for me as soon as she could have

[?], but that will not be soon for she has a sister dying of consumption.

They do not think she will love until Xmas. The two Mrs. Hobson made

up their difficulty and Mrs. Willis Hobson sent over for me Friday last

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to come and stay all night with her. I went, had a very pleasant eveng

and day yesterday. I came home in the morning. I saw Miss Martha

[B?] at the time of poor Carrie's death, they tell me I will like her

very much when I know her, but she is intensely cold and stiff. I also was

introduced to Mr. John [Burrele?], but I did not feel like talking and did

not say a word to him. He looks intensely conceited, and Fannie says she

thinks he is the greatest ninny she ever saw; he has never been to see me.

What do you mean by calling Mrs. Stringfellow, May, It is a great piece

of impertinence in you and I would not do it. Give my love to her and tell her I shall

certainly try to make Maggie study very hard, but she may well say her ed-

ucation has been neglected, she says "Europe is bounded on the south by

the Pacific ocean or Mexico she don't remember which." I have had no

scholars this week but [Norvelle?], but the girls will be here again tomorrow.

I had letters yesterday from [Gettie?] and Mary [Tiddale?], am going to send them

to Mother by tomorrows mail. I told her to send them on to you and Sister.

Make haste and send them back as I have not answered them. I wrote to

Kate Gray when I first heard she was out but have heard nothing from

her. Were you not grieved to hear of Temple Grady's death, poor Aunt

Pam what a grief to her, he was her darling though she was prouder

of Powell. I had a letter from Mr. Morton acknowledging his gloves, he did

not speak of going to Hanover, but he inquired after you; said Mrs. Booker had

not written. You ought to write to her. I have had one letter from Hor

ace too. Mr. Morton told me not to tell you he was coming that week

to Hanover though I thought he certainly would go. Willie Booker is at

home on a 17 days furlough. Mr. [Hournoy's?] horse did not die and he

is waiting to try to bring him home. Lettie had not gotten a second let

ter from you when I left. I would write again. I think Lou had got

ten one but am not sure. I think I can get to Pr. Ed Xmas if Ma is

willing for me to come but am not sure, I will keep your gloves and

[?]. You do not say whether you got your second hand or if you want

working cotton. I can't get sleeves for you but can send you bands for the

sleeves. I am going to have a pair of corsets made in the [?]

Mrs H gave me some marsailles** to make the outside of. The [smocking?]

will be $5.00. Do write soon, my letters are my only company

and I am always so glad to get them.

Your loving sister,

Hattie L Powell