Letter from Jennie E. Reed to Samuel B. Reed, July 27, 1863

In this letter from July 27, 1863, Jennie Reed writes to her husband, Samuel Reed, from their home in Joliet, Illinois describing how much she and the children miss him and wish he were able to get a position on the railroad closer to home. She details some of the business of the family's farm, closing with a note for Samuel to "avoid any such collisions" as a Mr. Rheinhart [sic] , whose name she noticed "among those taken up for disloyalty."

Joliet
27th of July, 1863.

My Dearest Samuel,

This has indeed seemed a long lonely week and is not hightened [sic] either by your presence last evening or a line from you. I could not but think but you would send me a line from Chicago telling me that you was successful in getting a situation nearer home so that Saturday eve at least would bring you to your children who mourn so much for you. Anne cried for you as if her heart would break, several times the day you left home. And little Mary is always calling where is Papa"? "Pappa [sic] came." So you see the wish to see or heer [sic] from you lay in my own heart. Cousin came up last evening. We did not go to church to day [sic] Doll has been sick for a day or two. Kind of [agne] one would think she is better now. They finished the hay last night. Will commence the oats Monday. It rained here just enough to delay the hay the week through. There is nothing of interest to communicate. The entire week until yesterday was occupied in taking care of the cherrys [sic] and currants. Had a nice quantity we have of them. O [sic] if only you were in [can be] through letters successful in coming nearer home I shall live twice as long in the same time. I am unfortunately a social being and it is lonely here past description sometimes. The children do not feel as well as some days yet nothing alarming. It is quite sickly in Joliet.

Martha goes to Sunday school and I will send this down. Excuse [write] for baby is near calling Mama Mama and pulling me furiously. Yours in love Anne & all send love & kisses

Jennie E. Reed.

I notice Mr. Rheinheart [sic] name among those taken up for disloyalty [cander at]. Do avoid any such collisions for the sake of those you love.