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                                Bedford April 11th 1861

       My Dear Wife -
                       I jave just ocme in after

surveying the yard and garden with Mr Lee, and have a short letter to write you as it getting late in the morning. The weather is fine - after [rain?] pretty constantly since Friday, and the crops are growing very well after it. There is so much to be done here, and the greater part of the business requiring my per- sonal attention, that you need not expect me before the last of the month. It may be in my power to come earlier & if possible I will - without having too much undone. Get well as soon as you can & be ready to came back with me. There is so much in the patient & hopeful endurance pf pain, [tending?] to its relief that you will soon be almost yourself again, I hope. The family at Aunt Lockies are well, and the write frequently to enquire after you and John. The little fellow must be enjoying his walks very much and will soon begin to notice when he will become actively interesting. Give my love to all at Stanley & a kiss to our baby

                    Your devoted husband
                      Henry Peronneau Brown

(second letter)

                      Yorktown August 16th 1861

    My Dear Wife-
                  You will be surprised to hear

that I forgot my promise to write until coming down the river yesterday. I reached Richmond on Tuesday, waited the next day for a passport, and came down here yester day from West Point in company with your Uncle Harrison. He is as Gloucester Point and I have spent the night here in Thompson's tent. He is in Richmond and I am going up to see him. Mary went to Char- lottesville yesterday morning, to be with her parents. Aunt Alice is well. I saw John for a few minutes he belongs to a company from Caroline. Henry is on James River with William Southall. Dr. Braxton was in Richmond yesterday & reported all well in Hanover & King William. I visited the Almshouse in Richmond yesterday and saw a great many of the Northerners who were wounded, besides a few of our own men. I bought two playthings for John, could not get the Lye - none in town. Bought 6 pr socks for John, did not have the sample of silk. Will get the comb. I left my memorandum book in Lynchburg or at home, so may forget some of the things you wanted. You must put down my forgetfulness of writing to no failure to recollect you, my love to Aunt Lockie & all a kiss for John, Your devoted husband

                       Henry Peronneau Brown