Letter from Wm B. Stevens, dated 1863-03-07

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Head Qrs. 2d. Division 6th Corps Q. M. Department. Mar. 7th 1863

Dear Mother:

Though I have not got thy letter, this week, I suppose it is written, so I will not delay. How does thee do; and how are all the rest? James, I presume has gone West ere now, so the family is very small, once more. How differrent from what it was, fifteen years ago. Then the house was apparently full, though, like an Omnibus, there was always "room for one more;" and often it was called on for room, for a [underline[dozen[/underline] more: this was the case, on Committee days, I take it. Now part of the family are no more; a part are scattered; and the [underline]few[/underline] are left. The old Committee has mostly passed away, and what members are left, are mostly only [underline]nominal[/underline] members unless they are more attentive, than for the last few years of my stay at home, though they did see fit to act in my case, when they thought my case called for summary action.

Last edit almost 3 years ago by catslover
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I was very glad to hear, by Mary, that thy health was so good, this Spring. I suppose by her account of her prospects, that thee too, is engaged in Butter making, once more; I must caution thee not to try to do too much in that line, thyself, though, for it is not easy work for any one and thee has done too much of it, sometimes, I imagine. Does thee intend to make the cheese this Summer? The one thee sent me last has the name, with the men, of being "the best cheese I have tasted in the Army," but as they said the same of the [underline]other[/underline] I guess that was all right too. The Butter seems all of the same color & is nice, as need be. The paper and envelopes got somewhat damp, but none of the paper was spoiled and only few of the envelopes. Captain Galt has gone to Washington now with a requisition for some thirty-one or two reams of writing paper and near four hundred bunches of envelopes, for Office purposes, with other things to match, so I can get a good supply for my immediate wants, I think. So I have sold out the most of what came from home, to the boys of the Company.

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The Captain is to be gone till Monday night & in the mean time I am all alone, in the Office & have not much to do as I got the monthly reports finished, for him to carry with him. They comprised some fifty pages of the Fools-cap size and each required his certificate of its correctness. He signed them without much examination, trusting that they were correct, to me. They were so, but his doing as he did shoes somewhat, of his opinion of me. I do not say this, to boast, at all, as "that ain't my way, you know."

The Captain seems to be a permanent fixture, here & unless something new takes place, I am likely to stay, as long as he does, so you may direct to W. B. Stevens, in Care of Captain Galt, A.Q.M. Hd. Qrs. 2d. Div. 6th Corps. Still the Army lies "quiet on the Rappahannock and, though orders to be ready to move, come once in a while they do not culminate, yet; no one knows how soon they may. I have a good horse to ride, when the orders do come, for us to start, no matter, in what direction.

Last edit almost 3 years ago by catslover
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Aunt Paulina and George wrote nothing to Jim, either by mail or with the things as he knows of yet; and he is somewhat surprised thereat. Why do they not write to me, or at least to [underline]him[/underline] on business if nothing else. So Melissa is surely Married, and Ellen [underline]is to be[/underline]. What are they all thinking of, while I am away? Thomas & Levi, too. Where is George Davis? Why is not he on the list with the rest? I want thee to have thy Photograph taken, the size of the one I sent home last Winter unless thee can have the one of thee and dear father Photoed, together of the same size, for if the last can be done I should prefer it of course, and send it to me; and in the Portfolio, I sent home is an envelope, with Timothy's and mine in it. Please send [underline]his[/underline] and [underline]one[/underline] of mine. If Thomas will please have his own and wifes taken together or separately, as pleases them, best, I will be very thankful for that or those, too.- Do have him do it and there is one of Henry's in my package, which I want

Last edit almost 3 years ago by catslover
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I have none of the family with me now, but I want them all. I wrote Mary about the others when I wrote before, so will not repeat it, now, but hope to hear from all soon. How many Cows does Thomas intend to keep, this Summer? How do the Colts come on? &c. &c.? Any information from home interrests me as much as ever. Is Ann to be home at vacation, this Spring, or not? She has not told me yet.

I would enjoy about ten days of sugaring, would n't I? But it may not be, this Spring. If I am cheated out of it now it will be the more of a treat when it does come, I suppose, will it not? Is Horace Steward to work there this Summer? Where is Orlana now? Give my love to her. I heard Mary Persons was to be married this [underline]Spring[/underline]. It is so? I do [underline]not[/underline] think of more to write so will close. Give my love to all. With [underline]very[/underline] much to thee.

From thy Son, W. B. Stevens

To R. B. Stevens

Last edit almost 3 years ago by catslover
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P.S. The Peep Frogs are singing tonight, so sugarring is most over for us, at least. I should like some more Stamps, sent when thee writes again.

Love, to all.

W. B. Stevens

Last edit almost 3 years ago by catslover
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