Letter, Mary Ann Hood to Martha Spence Elder
Object number1998.044.08
DateNovember 7, 1861
Mediumpaper and ink
DimensionsOverall: 15 1/2 x 9 7/8 in. (39.4 x 25.1 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection
Terms
"Marcha" was Martha Spence Elder, sister of Alex and Tom. She was married to Joshua Elder.
Caldwell Texas Novbr. [sic] 7, 1861.
Dear Sister Martha.
As usual I am found writing to my relations. You all in Arkansas have entirely forgoten [sic] me, and perhaps my writing [?] so refresh your memory. Sometimes you will write. It has been a long long time since I recieved a letter from any of you. Sallies [sic] writen [sic] July 15 was the last. In it she informed my of Thomas departure to the scene of war. I immediately wrote to him at Fayetteville Ark. Have recieved no answer yet. I would be glad to know where he was that I could write. Alex writes occasionally. On the 5 of Sept his last was wrote. When did you hear from him and Thomas? I hope they are well. Every mail for the last four weeks I have expected a letter, but alas none have come. Still, I shall hope for one to night. I am more anxious if possible now than ever to hear from you all. Thos [sic] and Alex I am uneasy about all the time. Wish I could hear from them all the time.
Novbr. 10, sister as company came in to spend the day. I was prevented from finishing this to get in that evening mail. To night I shall finish. This Holy Sabbath evening we are all alone and in good health. This part of the country is very healthy this fall. I do hope you all are in good health and your dear little babe. What is her name? Who does she favor? I wish I could see you all once more that we could talk over our matters but alas dear sister, I fear that is too much pleasure for me ever to realize. You have heard that Mr. Hood had gone to the War with a company. He is stationed in Galveston. All this I wrote to Mother. It is now going on three months since he left. We have indeed a lonely time of it. Miss Johnston stays with me all the time. You all would naturally want to know how we are getting along. I can say we do as well as any one could expect under the circumstances. We have a good many hogs, plenty to make our own meat. Ten head of cows, chickens, and Buddy has a fine pony so that I can send im to the country after any thing I want, and a plenty of the _ hear [sic] with to buy any thing I want, has been deposited where I can get it in three day notice. I have met with many every many kind friends who have volunterely [sic] offered to protect the War Widows during the absence of there [sic] husbands. Corn sells at 50, Pork at $5.00, beef 3 1/2 cts, sweet potatoes [sic] 50 cts, molasses 75 cts per gallon, sugar a shilling a pound, cofffee 50 a pound, tea one dollar per pound, butter 12 1/2 cts per pound, egg 12 1/2, dozzen chicken 12 1/2 piece. I buy butter hear [sic] and send to Mr. Hood and a great many other things, a mattress and bedding. Tell me sister, has Mother and Pa sent Thomy [sic] and Alex a mattress and bedclothing, and do they send them any clothes? I know if they have they will not suffer. I have socks comforts and blankets for the soldiers and would cheerfully sent them to my brothers if I knew ho to get them there. One package to Alex in Virgina [sic] and one to Thomas in Missoura [sic] would in all probability never reach them unless there were other things sent to each of there [sic] companies. I am determened [sic] for one to do my part for the soldiers. I have already done much sewing and kniting and will continue to do. It is heart rending [sic] to think our relations that are out on the battle ground and on the tented field should want for warm clothing and a comfortable place to rest there [sic] limbs. Sister if our dear brothers have not been furnished, get ready and send on thoes [sic] things as quick as possible. They will know how to appreciate it. When did you hear from them? Where are they now? I wish they would write. Well how are Pa and Mother & Eliza? Lonely enough I dare say. Are they well? Do they visit you and Sallie often? You should both visit them very often and make there [sic] time as pleasant as possible. Oh what would I give to see Mother and Pa. Tell them I will live in hope of seeing them. If I dye [sic] in despair. How is Sallie, Mr. Hearn, and the children? Tell her if she could but know what a pleasure it was to read letters from loved ones she would write. You all are there to see and talk with each other while I am hear [sic] one alone. How is brother and Sarah and are both well? Ask Mother and Pa, Brother, Sallie and you with the rest send me your likenesses. They are frequently brought hear [sic] in the male [sic] from the states. The postage is but little and Eliza tell her she promised to send me brother sallies. I have long looked for it all in vain and her for me to send it and she too must write. I would be glad if Mr. Elder would write. I cant see why we dont correspond with our brothers in laws [sic]. We ought to feel that we are all one family. Marcha, I had a letter from sister the other day. They were well except colds. Mr. Stinnett has not joined the army as he expected. Lucie says he will go when needed as an independent volunteer. I wrote to her to come down and hope to see her this week. We still hear of battles being fought in _ H and Missouria [sic]. What an anxiety of mind we are daily expecting an attack at Galveston. The women and children have all left the city. Troops are going in by every train of cars and if the get the large guns therebefore the enemy, they can hold the island. Those guns have been looked for there the last four weeks. There is a mystery about them. Some way they hung four men that were following after those guns. There are 4 and the mud is so deep and stiff it takes 40 yoke of oxen to move one gun. Negroes so far have done much better than was anticipated. It may be to get us off our guard. Dear Sister, when you read this goe [sic] to Mothers and let her hear from us. Fannie, Buddy, _ Ann join in sending there [sic] love to Mother Pa. You Sallie, Brothers, Sarah and Eliza, Mr. Elder, Mr. Hearn and Better Fannie and Lizzie tell all to write. I regret we have no school and no prospect for one soon. Dear sister I must close and write to Alex as soon as you get this. Do sit down and write to me if you please. My dear sister write soon and often. So good night to you all.
I remain your affectionate sister, Mary Ann Hood.
My own dear sister, don't forget to write. I will write some of you soon.
Good bye Marcha Elder
[punctuation added for readability]
Status
Not on view
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