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Mrs. Washington Williamsburg Va

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Williamsburg September 9th 1861 Sunday night

Last night I was called up a little after two o’clock, since that time I have slept one half hours, and it is now twelve o’clock, still, I must write you a few lines for, I understand, there will be an opportunity to send you a letter to-morrow. I am not going to Richmond this week, and even if I were for the chance of seeing you would stay at home. I cannot believe you have not yet been gone a week and, I think by the end of the week if you have not come I shall be sick[underlined] to see you.

Poor Jimmy Dix died this morning a little before six o’clock, and it was to be with Sally that I was sent for in the night. Helen was with her too. I was there early in the evening and saw Jimmy, and he poor, dear boy although, delirious seemed so glad to have me with him. I believe

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he was sincerely attached to me, and I certainly was to him, I did not know how much until I knew he might die. Poor Sally bears her trouble as only a Christian can, and I have no words to express my admiration and respect for her. I hope I have been some comfort to her. I have been with her several times to-day and contrived to get myself so wrought up that I could not get to sleep.

I do not know how often I have been interrupt =ed since I began my letter by the most charming music from a splendid brass band from Col: Hunts’ Regiment. As they play around the neighbourhood, of course, we have a full benefit, and we have already had a vocal serenade from some Virginians. All day the house has been full of company, Capts: of Ordnance, and Navy, a Col: and Lieutenants in the Army, have been passing in and out all day. Lieutenants Furman and [Stevens?] spent the evening, with us, coming at seven and leaving just before twelve. The former brought

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some pictures of his little girl for us to see, and after making the greatest fuss over them went off leaving them[underlined], but taking with him a rose bud and geranium leaf from me. Don’t be jealous, there is not the least of[crossed out] occasion for it. There[crossed out] The presence of these gentleman has been of service to me, for in the effort to be agreeable, I have been obliged to throw off the sad feelings that have been hanging about me ever since I heard of poor Jimmy illness, and which were beginning to make me nervous and restless. I hope, I may be able to go to sleep when I go to bed, if I cannot I do not know what will become of me.

The Zouave Col: has gone to Louisiana, He is a gentleman I am told. To –day I went down to the academy Hospital, and ministered to the wants of some of the poor fellows there. I have several little things to tell out about Hospitals. Young hay was well enough to leave town this morning. I looked after him so soon as I found him out. There goes the Band again.

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I hope, you may be able to read this miser =ably written letter.

I shall look for you each day eagerly until, I see you.

God bless you. Do take care of yourself for my sake, and don’t get sick. Faithfully and tenderly yours

[Marginalia] When I see you I intend to have a laugh at you.