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Lexington, January [10?]
I received your kind letter some time ago my dear [Selina?] and should have replied before but there is but little here of [?] to tell you and after the [?] of the last 4 years, my [epistle?] I fear will seem very tame - I also got a letter or rather Robert did from Rebecca asking for a photograph I have sent to Richmond for some, and when they arrive will write to her and send her one and if you should write in the mean time you must tell her the cause of the delay. Robert has gone to Richmond on some [business?] connected to the college and we are now expecting him daily back again. The college is prospering and increasing the number of pupils constantly. I think now it numbers [about?] [?] 100, I should think there was no place in Va so well fitted for schools as this surrounded by mountains it seems like the happy valley cut off from contact with the world and I suppose the temptations to vice are very few. The boys I am told are studying very well and I do not hear of any harsh measures to entice them to do so. Ellen Powell was here with her little flock when I came altho' from her appearance in a fair way to add to the number, she was doing all her own work except [the washing?] for she said the servant she had was so worthless she sent her away. They do seem to be very trifling over here. I was fortunate to secure two very good women from [Nelson?] County [?] far from where [Becky?] lives. Ellen has now removed to Charlottes ville. I am sorry she left as soon as I came. The only old acquaintences I have here are the [?] and [?] but I have only known her as a child. Her father used to be our family physician and we were all very intimate - but the people here are all as kind as they can be and are always sending us sup plies of all kinds. We have a very comfortable and convenient
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tho' [not?] well furnished inside or handsome but they use [stoves?] here and we are kept very warm. We have it too quite nicely furnished as I received a present of some very hand some furniture from Baltimore as a [?] gift at least it is very hadsome to our Confederate eyes. I do hope you will be able to establish yourself comfortably in Alex.. and have some repose after all of your trials with your daughters around you. I heard that one of them was about to be married but did not learn the name of the gentleman. I have only Mildred with me as Agnes has gone to Nor folk on a visit and did not come here with me on account of the [?] [?] of a very intimate friend in Richmond. Mary is well in Baltimore and I doubt if she gets here before [Spring?]. She is enjoying herself there greatly among her old friends. Curits you know is [?] in the Institute and takes his meals with us also goes to the College [?] youngest son Robert C - who with his duties and therefore seems much absorbed and interested
When I get my home out of the clutches of the yankees I shall feel more content but its present occupation is a sore and grievous trial to me. I never relised till now how I loved that old place. Even its [stoves?] are dear to me and it is clos ly entertwined with every memory of my life. But I can not trust myself on this subject. I should think Alex[andria] would be greatly changed You must remember me affectionately to all my old friends especially to Mrs. [Turner?]. Robert got a very kind letter from [?] Lee last night. I should think it would have been a great trial to him to part with the old [homestead?] in Alex[andria] but [?] had no [?] - Tell me of your brother [Johns?] fam ily and of the [?]. I suppose you are never [?] of The yankees in Alex[andria] Do they mix at all with the society?
