23. Nellie's Letters, April 16 - May 1866

The Mansion Monday April 16th 1866

Dear Harry --

Yesterday passed away without my finding time to write a line to any one -- In consequence of the headache I did not get up until nearly noon. Attending Church took the first half of the afternoon. Then I walked with Lue and Henry Rust to see the remains, (I'll tell you about the fire soon) and from there over to Paris for May flowers. I enclose the prettiest one I found for you -- there are kisses on every flower, must they waste their sweetness on the desert air?

The fire took place Saturday afternoon. It was the old foundry, recently occupied by the Fishers for machine shop. It burned down despite the efforts of our engine and the help of the Parisites who toted their machine over. It was quite exciting at one time. The wind blew a gale and seven houses caught fire at about the same time -- "ah: Then and there was hurrying to and fro" &c -- Yes of course I went -- every body did -- you know it isn't every day we get up such an excitement.

Fast day passed quietly. I took a walk over to the Cemetery in the afternoon, as there was no one to talk to I had a good cry and felt better after it. Lue, Henry, Millett and I took tea with Augusta. They seem as happy as mortals need to be.

Gussy asked when we were to be married but of course I couldn't tell her -- not knowing myself.

Your good letter of March 11th is before me -- it came nearly a week ago. I have told Byron the parts which were for his benefit, but he hasn't answered my letter yet. He went down East to spend Fast, but I have no doubt he feasted all the time.

After tea -- since writing the above, I've heard a bit of news which has caused me a bit of anxious thought and probably will cause much more. Mr Favor has sold this house, and I must find a boarding place quickly. This is a difficult thing to do. I don't know of any one who will take me, and haven't the remotest idea to whom I shall make the first

application. Isn't it sort of provoking? I had hoped to stay here until I started for my home.

Mr Fanon met with quite a serious accident last week. He cut his left hand nearly off at the wrist. The Doctor hopes to save it but says he must do nothing for three months at least. To one so active this is quite a deprivation.

I can tell better how I should like to be married in your friends parlor after I have met him and his wife. If I don't feel too bashful -- perhaps I shall like that arrangement -- I can't tell -- We will see when I get there. I wish all the bother was over and I was there this moment! Hope you had a pleasant

fishing excursion and have felt rested and refreshed thereby. Your life must be one of close confinement and constant toil -- you shall have as pleasant a home as I know how to make, to rest in after your daily toil -- perhaps then it won't seem so irksome.

I am getting impatient for the arrival of dear Rhoades so I can know just what the plans are -- it's such a bother to be in suspense. You don't know what an impatient wife you will have. I'm not half as calm and unemotional as I seem, though I do try to make the best of unavoidable circumstances. Your mother has been nearly sick with a cold for a week past. She said she was better yesterday -- I've not been over