בס"ד
|
Petersburg, Va. My darling Sarah, I am very much disappointed at the fact of your not having rec'd a letter from me yesterday. I wrote on Sunday and gave the letter to Mr. Hall who was going over on Monday on going home to dinner that day I found he had not left but intended so doing on Tuesday. Which, owing to the illness of his brother, he did not do; but as he says he will leave positively today, I have destroyed the first letter I wrote and shall embody a portion of it in this. Yesterday I rec'd yours of 25' inst. which together with two others rec'd on Friday & Saturday puts me in possession of three dear tokens of love from you. They were truly sweet ones and I revelled in reading them. My spirits on Friday were considerably depressed for I had been told of the fall of Savannah, but upon rec'g your letter I was greatly revived. I note your remarks, my darling, on the present state of affairs; they are all very true, but I do hope & look forward to a speedy important change in our military condition. I consider the defeat that has fallen on Hood is far more serious to our cause than Sherman's march thro' Georgia & the fall of Savannah. As you probably know, Genl. Lee has been made Commander in Chief of the Armies and has reinstated Genl. Johnston in command of the Western Army, at least so it is here reported. I went up to Genl. Lee's H.Q.rs yesterday on business & saw him, but he did not say anything to me about this. Christmas has come and gone. I spent it at Mrs. Banks' where I had quite a sumptuous repast, finishing up with her eggnog, cake, &c. I ate so much sponge cake that whenever you would touch me, it would be just like squeezing an India rubber ball. Yes, my darling, everybody is getting married. Daily the matrimonial column of the newspapers have two or more notices. Today I read in the "Examiner" of the marriage of Miss Vanessa Schlaffenberger to a Dr. Hobson (rather a harsh name for "Hobson's choice"). I wonder if one of the bridal presents was not a bowl of sauerkraut. To translate the lady's name (sleeping mountains) would be very romantic in English; If she is as large in proportion as her name is long), "I tots mine gracious" she would be one of your Teutonic females of delicate "barrel" waist, whose arms are the size of one person, and bust a young Sebastopol. Yah dat ist diese—Didn't I told you so! Apropos to the above let me tell you of the debut of Henry into the "Kugel Society of the Cockade City"—This morning he informed me that the night previous he had been to a party at a Mr. Rosenfeld's, and, (to use his expression) "had a bully time"—I told him that his chances in Richmond having "gone up" and Savannah being in the hands of the enemy (for he says he has a sweetheart there) he had probably decided upon locating in this City and was "looking around." When you write to him say that you understand he was particularly attentive to Miss Feibleman (niece of the Hazan) at the party. He borrowed my jacket (unknown to me) & wore it in the occasion, he must be very anxious to wear the bars. I have not been able to see the Hanucka lights this year. Last year I was with my Aunt and officiated in reading the service as I always did at home for in addition to lighting the lamps in Synagogue we always did so at home. That was our Christmas, as children and we always rec'd presents & enjoyed ourselves—but those times have passed and I only expect to see them again when I shall have a family of my own to hand down these ceremonies to. Don't you say so too, my Pet? As I wrote you in my last, my love, that it was my intention to apply for a leave of absence for 20 days (I can't get more) when my Serg't Major returns, you may rest assured I shall count the days until the time comes for me to see you. Elhanon left here for Richmond on Monday Evening & returns this evening. After I shall have been with you in February not many weeks will elapse ere Pesach. So you see how we shall work it—just so! I wish you would make a pkge of gray cloth & a strip of red cloth to make cording for the pantaloons & lining & (keep out the gold braid, hook & eye) and I will send for it. I am much obliged to you for fixing the shirt. Include it in the bundle. Love to all my darling and accept the same from your devoted & affectionate Edwin Henry sends his love to you & all — He
expects there is a pkge for him at the Express Office & asks if your father will
please attend to it for him. |
| Edwin I. Kursheedt Letters |