28. Relatives' Letters: August 19 - September 10, 1866

Portland, Aug. 19, 1866.

Sunday Evening.

My Darling Sister Nellie --

I wonder where you are tonight? We are expecting news from you very soon, and I'm exceedingly anxious to hear. It is more than a month since you left Portland, and you have not often been out of my thoughts. It rains tonight and I'm here alone in our parlor sitting on the sofa, -- everything as it was when you were here, excepting the Ivy which hangs at the window nearest the piano and climbs up both ways toward the pictures. I've been writing to my little wife. She is at home

making a visit, and I'm as lonely as you please. I often wonder now how I used to live alone and be as happy as I was. I trust that you have ere this reached a safe port and met a loving welcome. I have no doubt that your experience will be as happy as mine, and all your days be filled with the sunshine of pure and faithful love. We are all well, so far as I know. Ned was at Norway Friday and saw the children. They are well and enjoying themselves finely at Mrs. Smith's. Sidney came from New Haven Thursday (I think) and left all doing nicely there -- Boy not yet named, but "George Elliot" talked of. How do

you do, Aunt Nellie?

Ned is having a little vacation. Has gone to Boston now -- Wash is at Bethel. Is trying the Life Insurance business. How our little family is scattered -- I have not seen Mary Goss for some days -- Gruntal has sold out to John Davis, and they are taking account of stock. I presume Mary writes you very often -- And you will probably hear from Norway quite as often as I do. I mean to go there this Fall. My business is very good at present -- much as I can do -- No, I could do more if I had it, but still I keep at work. Tell Harry that I will await the Nevada election returns with much interest --

I sincerely hope, and earnestly too, that he will succeed in all that he desires at the hands of the public -- It would please me to receive a copy of the Appeal now and then -- Please attend to that when you are fairly settled there. And I want a full description of all your surroundings -- minute and particular. Everything will interest us. Hattie and I (when she is here) speak of you very often indeed. How does the change of climate affect your throat? I am anxious to know. My best brotherly love to Harry, and regards to Mr. Rhoades -- He must have had no little trouble in looking out for

Your many wants during the voyage -- And I have no doubt that he fully appreciated the great responsibilities of his position. How much and how often were you sea sick? There are a thousand questions I'd like to ask or have you answer without the asking, if I could only see you -- As it is I must depend upon letters -- Tell us all that you think we'd like to know and ought to know, wont you? My eyes ache and it is bed time -- Good night, now, My Dear, and pleasant dreams. Hattie would send lots of love if she were here -- I am always Your loving brother B. D.