Letter from Jennie Reed to Samuel B. Reed, January 18, 1863

In this letter from January 18, 1863, Jennie Reed writes to her husband, Samuel Reed, discussing various events at home. She tells him that her sister, who is visiting, cannot go home "with that land of savages at present." She also informs him that his enlisted brother, Erastus H. Reed, is still well after participating in the Battle of Stones River.

Joliet.
Jan. 18th. 1863.

Dearest Samuel.

Another week with all its joys & sorrows has passed and I find myself seated in my accustomed place to hold a few moments converse with you my dearest husband, on the first evening of this new week. It is already past 7 o'clock and I must chat away lest the time passes ere you are benefited. Your ever dear letter came to hand Wednes. evening.

Annie was delighted with her little printed letter. She is trying to learn a little each day. She is not quite well for a few days past and wants to see Papa so often. Indeed I looked for you upon act. yesterday's all day and was only consoled by not seeing you, in thinking that your eyes were better. How can you run the risk of over tasking them. You do not realise [sic] that you may lose your sight if you are not careful. But I cannot think of any thing so terrible and will forbear. Eugene took the big way you and all sent to church but myself, I have one of my headaches and did not think prudent to go out. Rollin was up yesterday and last night and returned to his school to day [sic] . Mrs. Fox & Mrs. Lieut "Col" Waterman, (she that was [?]) came up yesterday for a visit and took dinner at 4 P.M. with us. Rollin was much pleased and enjoyed himself. I only wished for one, my beloved husband. There is so little to make a letter interesting. I forgot to day [sic] that Mrs. [Stimy] was to have visited us yesterday, but Alice was taken sick the evening previous. Cousin is waiting and longs to see you to have a [tease] and play. She is also waiting. Charley & Gene are making some efforts in respect to the wood but do not progress very much the roads are still bad.

Andrew was up to day [sic] and thinks he may return to us, if we wish him he will by spring I think.

Next Wednes. evening the sociable is at Mrs. Law's and if all well we intend to go. By way of [variety]. Sister is a little homesick but she can't think of going with that land of savages as present. We get along finely, doing our work & c. I shall look for you every Saturday night until I see you. Erastus wrote to Rollin that he was well and was in Nashville, but going to return to Murfressboro [sic] .

Read that the attack has had to be abandoned; so goes the war. What shall we come to if this goes on? I hope to hear from you soon, and that your eyes are better. Please write twice a week sometimes. It will break the monotony of farm life agreeably, I can assure you. Baby Mary is so nice and playful. She calls her dat! dat! da! [pist] as often as formerly. All join in sending love to you. May you be spared from any danger, and returned to us soon in safety is war the ardent desire of your loved ones.

Your Affectionate
Jennie E. Reed