Letter, Amanda Wilson to Mrs. Hearn - Spence Family Collection
Object number1998.044.09
DateNovember 30, 1866
Mediumpaper and ink
DimensionsOverall: 7 5/8 x 9 11/16 in. (19.4 x 24.6 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection
Terms
The letter is written two years to the day that Alex Spence was killed at Frankin.
[In the following transcription, punctuation has been added but no spelling or gramatical changes have been made]
Madison Nov. 30th 1866.
Mrs. Hearn.
My dear friend,
I don't know that you would care to hear from me, but I can't refrain from writing. I have written frequently to you, but no reply. It may be your silence is from the fact that you have failed to recieve my letters. That knowledge would be much pleasanter than to think I had been forgotten by you. I have been in my room alone all day, vainly dreaming of the past. With the 30th of Nov. many painful reminisences are connected. Two years ago today it has been since that dark dark shadow crossed my pathway and I was left with a blighted heart to mourn the loss of one whom I had learned to idolize. It is wrong in me to indulge painful memories, but it is a feeling I cannot if I would dispell. As long as life shall last, any mind will revert to the past. I have first taken from my trunk a bundle of letters and read them over as I used so often to do when I was sad. Some of my friends have wondered why I keep them, but these dear mementoes will ever occupy their accustomed place in my trunk. While reading them, I thought perhaps you would like to read one among his last - so I have concluded to enclose the one next to the last. It would be such a great pleasure for me to see and talk with you all. I have a brother whis is going to your state soon. Mother has given her consent for me to go to see you, but father thinks it too far. I hope at some time in the future I may be permitted to make you a visit.
Mrs. Pharr (an acquaintance of yours I presume) is now living here. She was once a resident of your town. She has joined the church since her removal to Madison. She has a bright little boy and seems to be doing well. How is Mr. Ellis of your place coming on. We have often thought of him and wondered where he was. If you have ever met him I imaginehe has given you a description of your unknown friend. I hope it will not be long before I have the pleasure of hearing from you. Remember me very kindly to your father - mother and family.
Believe me truly.
Your Aff [sic] friend
Amanda Wilson
[punctuatiion added for readability}
Status
Not on view
November 7, 1861
October 30, 1863
September 6, 1861
September 11, 1864
August 2, 1862