08. Nellie's Letters, July-August 1865

of love and marriage -- the only one by which the one can be made sacred and the other "honorable to all."

What do you think of it?

I wish every woman lived up to the principle, there would be less wickedness in the world.

Fannie Greely was married this week, to Gerard [illegible]. I understand they are to live in Montreal and will "keep house", -- I take it for granted you are interested, in all of her movements.

Well. I'm glad she has succeeded in accomplishing the end she has been straining for, for the last five years.

Although I consider her almost an enemy my worst wish is that she may live in peace and prosperity.

Wash has not yet decided what to do for an occupation. He is thinking a little of studying Law, but is bound

to get rested before he does anything, and is now traveling in the Canada's.

Add and Flo have not yet returned from their wedding tour.

I'm glad you left the army, for I don't believe you would have "turned over the new leaf" had you stayed among your old associates.

Thanks for your promise in regard to using tobacco, I feel sure you will keep it.

Harry don't deceive me. God knows I have only your word for every thing -- can know nothing of your character only what you tell me, but I trust you and rely upon your honor in all things.

Last week there was a dance at the village, I happened to be down and went with Lue and Henry Tucker. We had quite a nice

time. I wore a white muslin waist and dark shirt and "they say" "looked well enough". Wonder if it's silly to write you that? but I know you are interested in what I do, -- in fact my doings are all I can write about up here when rumors hardly reach us and news get old before we hear it.

Mrs Frost has been haying for the past two weeks and I've helped. Have raked and spread and rode in on the loads many times.

Then there has been a young man among the workmen so I've joked and chatted with him on the door steps after the work was done.

Then too I take a basket on my arm and carry a luncheon down to the fields every forenoon, and once in a while I turn the grindstone

The older ones declare that Ed, the young one, dulls his scythe on purpose. In as much as he is intelligent and quite agreeable I shall be sorry to have the work done.

May Gosse is coming next Tuesday to spend two or three weeks, Of course we shall have a nice time. She always sends greetings to you.

This long message from Byron I will enclose to save the trouble of copying.

I heard Gottschalk once and enjoyed it much, Am glad you are not quite beyond the pale of civilization.

Good bye -- which means God be with you.

As ever

Nellie L. V.

[postmark: NORWAY JUL 31 ME]

[stamp removed]

Per Steamer

Capt. Henry R. Mighels

Carson, Nevada.

[in pencil 1865]