Polo Ill. July 3d /66

 

Friend Whitfield

​

I do not send you this epistle as I would send it to a soldier in the field, out of a sense of duty, and to do them good, although I think I should be glad if it might be a means of good to you, but your sister Mary visited us some weeks since and in the course of our conversation I mentioned that I used to write to you, and had thought of doing so again and she, kind soul, urged me to do so and I promised her I would so, if ever you get it, here's a letter for you, as you see. “The war is over” as you know I suppose, all my friends who were in the army and to whom I used to write letters are either returned to their places of abode, or gone to the land where none can send to inquire after their welfare. How are you getting on in the battle of life? I visited Franklin nearly two years since and went into the E.C.s room at the Sem. where I saw reminders of those who were gone, papers with the names of your friends on, also your own name as editor of papers read long since and laid by, kept in memory of the past, a kind of fragrance seemed to steal from them, and I thanked God that some of the names were numbered among the “children of light” and had been transplanted to a better world where there is no parting. I feel sad to think of so many friends being scattered so far, and glad that Heaven is so near them all. Oh what a blessed future for all if only they are christians. You will think perhaps that I used not so to write, alas, how I mourn sometimes now to think of the good I might have done, of the words I might have said that I did not. But there is nothing so good as to be a whole-souled out and out christian. You who have in memory the example of your patriarch father do not need to be reminded of it. Dear to the heart of every faithful soldier of the cross, is the precious example of such an one. Whitfield you will not be displeased if I ask you if you too have chosen your father’s God for your portion, and will you not now redeem the time and seek Him as the chief good. How my soul longs to know that my friends love Jesus. Today has been attended in this place the funeral of one who had wealth and had lack of nothing so far as this world in concerned, but if he had the one thing needed spoken of in Luke 10th 42d, his life did not show it as he kept a hotel where liquor was sold and billiards played “by their fruits ye shall know them”. The minister preached as though he were as holy as the Apostle Paul, but I must not condemn him, the thief on the cross was saved. Tomorrow is the fourth of July and people are making preparations to celebrate the day with tenfold more enthusiasm than before the war. Surely if ever a nation had need to be grateful it is ours. I only hope we need not have to fight our battles over again. Dark clouds loom up and none can tell where we shall drift yet.

We are expecting Annistine home soon. She has not been home in two years, has been teaching for five years in Honesdale Pa. My brother is at home now, he spent several months in N.Y. state last winter. He has married a wife since you were at our house. She lived ten weeks after they were married then died with consumption. Ada lives half a mile from us. Uncle John has bought a very pretty place and Fordyce lives with him. Elvira is with them now. Your mother and Tempe were well a short time since, Lucius’ wife poorly, her health is never good I am told. he was not married when I was there last. I don’t know as I can tell you anything you would like to hear as I know so little of the Franklin people. I write to Amelia Jennings occasionally. Judge L. is a great invalid and they have had a great revival in F. the last winter. It is time for their anniversary and reunion of the societies soon. I suppose we shall get invitations, but a thousand miles is too far to go to attend reunions of ten. When do you think of coming home? Soon I hope, for the sake of seeing your aged mother once more in the land of the living. Gold would be nothing to that would it. Well come and all your friends will be glad to see you I am sure. Kindly, your friend

Maria Waterbury

July

 

Since writing the within a week ago, Annistine has come home and brought four friends from New York City and so we have a house full of company. I intended to write another sheet but so cannot now and will send this as it is although I do not consider it worth the postage. Your sister Elvira expects to return home next week on a visit. Ada and family are well, were all at church yesterday. It is a rainy morning and the frost is waiting. With many good wishes for your welfare I remain your friend

Maria Waterbury.