08. Nellie's Letters, July-August 1865

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Farmer Frost's, Norway Me.

Saturday A.M. June 29th / 65

Shall I tell you Harry, how I received and read your last letter? It was just a week ago that Lue put the document in my hand and after glancing over it's contents hastily I started on my home ward journey.

The day was lovely but warm, and I tramped slowly along until I had nearly reached the top of the hill when the shade of a noble tree invited me to rest my weary limbs, which invitation was gratefully accepted.

There, with a glorious picture of Nature spread before me and a cool breeze forming

my aching head, I drew forth your good letter and made myself mistress of its contents, from the date, June 11th, to the last word of the P.S. Thanks for all.

Yes, I have received all your letters I think, one paper, and the piece of music. The music is quite pretty, but I do not think the words do justice to their subject, yet I appreciate your kindness in sending it. Have I ever told you that my melodeon is at Lue's? Such is the fact and I spend much time there. Indeed I often feel that I may be imposing upon their hospitality, but they are all the friends I have who seem like my own, or who I think care whether I occupy this sublinary sphere, or have "shuffled off this mortal coil". -- of course I mean outside of my family, no one could ask for kinder brothers than I am blessed with.

You are right -- I am interested, deeply interested in your keeping your good resolutions. You have the ability and I believe the heart to be one of the best of men -- a blessing to your fellow men and an honor to your friends.

It is clearly your duty to improve the talent God has given you -- I only wish you had waked up to the responsibility resting upon you earlier in life. Precious years have flown but since they are gone it's of no use to repine, only to learn from experience the better way to spend ones days.

"No star ever rose and set without influence somewhere". No life was ever lived without an influence for good or evil in some degree. It is a fearful thought -- that ones every act effect's or may effect the lifetime of some other person. Harry don't

over rate my goodness. I am full of faults. I often wonder what such a good-for-nothing piece of humanity was made for. I'm positive I never did any good in the world yet.

This week I've been reading a "sesesh" novel -- "Macara", some parts of it were fine. The writer, a lady, is a bitter secessionist and introduces her sentiments into a part of the book. Aside from that the story is well writen and some of her descriptions are really word painting.

I found recently a sentiment which expressed my ideas on one subject exactly -- shal I transcribe for you? -- "There are very few who either profess or practice the Christian doctrine, that a man's life should be as pure as a woman's, otherwise no woman, however she may pity can or ought to respect him or marry him. This it appears to me is the Christian principle

Please excuse this blot -- my paper was blown out of my hand.