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I have not visitd the Campground at E. B. I would like to do so very much but about 70 of the brave soldiers are sick with the Measles and as I have never been blest with them my wise teacher Mr Orcutt A.M. deems it best for me to stay away, and so I do. Last Thursday night J.G. Holland lectured at E. B. and the senior class were permited to go but alas, as I could not say with propriety that I had ever been sick with [the?] [Me?] I must remain at Glenwood. Ann went and enjoyed it very much. This seems the strangest winter I ever saw, no parties, no rides no very jolly times any way. Now, don't think I am complaining. Do you believe I would do such a thing as to complain when I am enjoying so many and so great blessings. At least I hope I should not. And when too, so many of my friends are depriving themselves of friends and home for the sake of defending their country - It seems the Army of the Potomac have not yet advanced. Many are blaming Gen. McL. for doing nothing. He has a very hard place and it seems to me is doing the best he can, let those who find fault take his place for a few days. They would find it easier to say than do.
May those to whom the power is entrusted be guided by the loving kindness of Him who alone should be acknowledged Ruler of nations.
We are hearing a great deal about the Small Pox this winter, report is that it is at Rutland, and other places, many fear it will come among us but I hope it will not. [deleted]We[/deleted] at Whitehall N.Y. it is raging badly. A good many of the girls here have been sick this term, most of them are better now, though there is one young lady that probably will never be well again, if she ever sees her home. She boards at the other Hall, she was taken by bleeding of the lungs, she does not speak aloud, is very weak, she is patient and says she is willing to remain here or go to her heavenly home as soon as God wills. I am not acquainted, but every one who knew her speaks very highly of her. Death shows no respect for the young and lovely, the gay and beloved.
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Glenwod [?] Februray 2nd 1862.
Dear Friend Willie
Your note came to hand last night and I will try and write you today but cannot say as I shall accomplish much in the epistolary. (you know I am not a [prophetess?]). I was very glad to rcceive so good an answer to my worthless note and as I have not ans. your last good letter I feel considerably in your debt. (just as you always make feel) Of course you know that I intended to have written before now but couldn't so I will not mention that. Yesterday was the 1st of Feb. so that upon the first day of the first two months of 162 I have heard from you, hope the 1st day of whole 12 mo. will bring some word from you.
It is a bright beautiful Sabbath the first pleasant one we have had for a long time. Above all other days I love a pleasant holy Sabbath
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The deep blue sky is spotted here and there with fleecy white clouds; only the trees are visible above the earth's deep carpet of white, which is spread so neatly upon this part of "terra firma", but which does not in the least retard the motions of our planet. I think I could much prefer snow to mud, though I do not think it so very pleasant to ride through mountains of snow, but there is one advantage and that is snow can be [underline]shovelled[/underline] and mud cannot so easily though perhaps it would stay where it was put better when the wind blows hard. Willie, Did you ever hear of any body that [underline[shovelled[/underline] snow? If you never did don't ask me to tell you of any one that has. I like the poetry you sent very much had seen them all before except "The Volunteer's Mother", how full of feeling those words are. It would kill me if he fell;, but, no!
His country calls him; let him go!
'Tis sad and true that in many hearts this strife is waged in prayer by prayer is won
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The Bridge of Sighs too is beautiful. I partly learned it some time ago. Have you seen the Battle Hymn of the Republic. I think you canot help liking that.
Am sorry that you have been sick and [underline]very[/underline] glad that you are better. Though you were not cared for by those who would have been glad to minister to your wants yet you had the thought that you would not have been allowed to suffer for want of attention if they could have given it, and that was worth something. Do you feel as strong as before? I expect you know enough to be careful of your health, don't you? - I congratulate you upon your success in [underline]rising[/underline]. But now don't [plauge?] poor Levi too much by riding his way [underline]all[/underline] the time, for it may be he will you would fall off your horse into the mud and that would be too bad a wish for a gallant little sergeant. Ann has been to church to-day and now is "sweetly reposing upon the bed"
