Letter to Eliza Quilty from Julia E. Crafts

Charleston April 25th 1866 Dear friend Not feeling like serving this morning thought I would write you a few lines. If only to let you hear how we are getting on. We are haveing such pretty weather here now - the blossoms have all droped from our fruit trees and they are full of Fruit - almost every day we have a gentle shower that adds much to our requisitions - plenty of Green Peas in our Market - but [rey] high priced - like everything in general Your good Brother is here the prettiest time of the year - spring - when our Gardens are all in full bloom- he has an opportunity of seeing our choicest flowers - I suppose ours cannot compare with yours in beauty had I known sooner that your Brother wanted some slips of Roses I could have got them

for him it is too late now he must wait - I see that you have a refined delicate taste being fond of the culture of flowers - do not think me devoid of taste when I tell you that I do not care to plant and nurse them but never weary of arranging them to dress the parlor - the air is fragrant with the different variety of flowers, business is very dull, at present but our Merchants have very good prospects for the future. Dry goods have falling in price, very pretty calico at 20 cts per yard. the scarcity of funds do not prevent matrimony a great many weddings - some few places of amusement open - the schools are looking forward to the first of May with pleasure the Girls all anticipate having a May party - they have chosen my eldest girl for one of the flower bearers - she is naturally timid but feels flattered I hope that their hopes may be re-

alized they will have it in the evening, and after her Ladyship has been crowned Queen of May will have music and dancing. I am glad to hear that your Brother Luke as returned safe - dont worry about the one that is with us he can give a very good repent of his noble self - he has such a nice situation - would be wrong to leave it yet a while - We have no sickness here at present - I do not hear any thing of the small pox now there is a great deal of talk and fuss made about the Cholera, I do not fear it - I am sorry to hear that you are not well, I think our climate must agree with your Brother he never complains now, but is quite well hoping this will find you quite well with much love to all I remain Yours kindly Julia E. Crafts write soon