Letter from Jennie Reed to Samuel B. Reed, August 2, 1863

In this letter from August 2, 1863, Jennie Reed writes to her husband, Samuel Reed, chiding him for not writing her more often. She tells him she has not received any further information regarding the "particulars" of his enlisted brother Burritt's death. She also expresses regret that he was unable to see the men in Chicago he needed in order to inquire about a position on the railroad closer to home.

Joliet
Aug 2nd 1863.

My Dear Samuel.

Your long looked for letter came to hand Thursday. You are busy no doubt through the week and find little or no time to write even to your loved ones at home. Yet how Sunday can pass without writing a few lines to me I cannot conceive. Sunday morning I dress the children do all my chamber work, and dress for church then go, return and have the entire care of the children the balance of the day, and yet seldom perhaps I may say never sleep until I devote a few moments to you, usually an hour. Now you can be wise and infer "constent [sic] dropping wears away stone" in more sense than [men]. I have often told you how nervous & anxious I was to receive even a line, but I shall not mention it again if you write promptly or not so that you need not feel compeled [sic] to write if you dislike to do. Marion wrote to Rollin the sorrowful news of Burret's death. We have not received any particulars. Eliza is at Marion's rather feeble. Her brother was there to carrey [sic] the intelligence of Burret's death to her. It is sad to be cut down in the flower of his manhood. I have been so troubled about your eyes. Pray tell me if it is better. Had you not better consult a physician. Did you go to the artist's the day you spend in Chicago? Cousin wishes to know? Miss Johnson sent her such a good one of herself from New Albany where she is staying with her brother's family. This day is really intolerable. And now [it is] evening is [sic] is not better. The air is quite stifling. It is still quite sickly. Mrs. McSirk old Mr. [Hanly's] daughter is dead. I attended church to day [sic] with cousin and Mr. Smith joined us at church Mr. Gilbert leaves for a three weeks absence east tomorrow some say to be [married] I do not know. Mr. Smith came up for a call Sat. and is here this evening. He improves upon acquaintance. He is very well informed upon all subjects. How he can manage to succeed in a business [from it] I do not know. I think his principles are good. We have also the Rock Rivers insurance agent an old man for a day or two I have a mind to get insured [if] I put 10 dollars with his bill it will make us good for five years for a thousand dollars. Five hundred for the house and five for the barn. There are so many fires now a days [sic] what do you think?

The harvest is nearly through two or three days more and all will be stacked up I suppose. I scarcely know what more to add! For you know how I regret your not seeing those gentlemen in Chicago. The [?] makes me [?] for the endeerments [sic] of my dear husband. Especially when so many are so suddenly bereft of their light and life of the home circle. May heaven keep you in safety is my earnest prayer. Anne & Mary send love & kisses to papa. An Yours in love.

Jennie E. Reed.