Sept 11 1864 Letter Wife To Soldier In The 77th Illinois Infantry (Transcribed)

This is a transcribed letter of a wife to her husband serving in the Civil War with the 77th Illinois Infantry. Attached are photos of both. Martha Anne Enslow is writing to her husband, Charles Enslow from Washburn Illinois I think. Dear Husband, Another week has passed and I have not written you since last Monday and I'm fearful that I cannot write but a few lines now. For my eyes have been sore all week. My right eye is getting better but the other is very little or no better. I would not have the regular sore eyes for nothing imaginable and for that reason. I am very careful. Joe is still gone and will be two weeks Monday and we are getting along nabely? We have all the chores to do you know, so we get but little done in the house and yesterday to cap it all off Louisia got her foot badly bruised. She was trying to get a bedstead, down stairs and called one to help her. I took hold of one legg of the bed and the railing came out of the other legg, and fell on her foot. I thought I had almost killed her for she put up some of the most unearthly yells and heards. We used the liniment very frailly  page 2  so today she can walk on it pretty well. Robinson preaches today and I wanted to go so bad, but we had no way of going unless we walked and I knew if I walked down it would heat my blood and make my eyes worse. Excellent excuse! I suppose you think for one that does not want to go to meeting. But when you see _____ that my chances are not what they were two years ago. You will not blame me so much this much I hope, that the coming year will find one filling my place into church more frequently that the past. I can truly say that any desire is as great as it was years ago. but circumstances are such that I cannot always do as I should like to and you know it is best to say as little about it as possible. Keith Gliz was worse again all last night. Robott was up yesterday and left a tea cup full of powders made of cinnamon and chalk to be given every four hours and we might as well give him water and be done with it. for all the good they do. he is much better today but very weak. you would hardly know him, but we hope it will not be long before he will be well again Page 3 James? was with us last week, and will be this coming week. she went home friday to go to Seacon? & haven't heard whether she went or not. I got letter letter 526 (number of letters written) written Aug 16 to 17 Last Tuesday. You know it had to be forwarded from Fairbury. you are not very well you say. I should think not. If you only weigh 126 lbs. I know very well that your health is not as good as it used to be. and if I could only see you a while I could then know for certain how you was. but as it is all is uncertainty - and I shall pray and hope for the best knowing that he who rules in Heaven will still protect and care for you as he has here before. Monday morning Mr. and Mrs. Punday came yesterday. so that I did not my letter finished. Louisa has gone to the store. and mary, c.w. and I are here alone. Mary is doing up the work so I can get this ready to send by ____. He is coming up to see C.W. this morning. And I can tell you one thing certain. This baby must have something pretty soon to help him, or we are sound to lose him. I am now rocking him in the  page 4 cradle while I write. If he was a child of mine he could not take another drop of Dr. Abbots medicine. My eye feels much better this morning. Pa will send my melodion down by Joe, and if I get the school I shall have it where I board, and if I have time I shall take lessons and if not I shall get me an instructions book and go to work by myself. others have learned that way and I can. depend upon if I shall endeavor to be a pretty fair player by the time you get home. I sometime wish I could look ingot the future one year and see which was in store for me. Joy, or sorrow, but I suppose it is well that I cannot, for if I could my sorrow overnight - commence now. Louisa has got back and I will have to stop. The Dr. is now coming they tell me. The Dr's have given up all hope of Rachel and her baby. they cannot last much longer. I have not been there since I came back. I want to go. but Louisa dont want to stay alone.  I learn that I shall never seem them alive again.  I shall try and write again this week.  Shall have to write a few lines to the folks at home this morning Excuse this poor letter and write soon M. Enslow

Condition

Used (normal wear)

Type

Civil War Era Letter wife to husband

Original Or Reproduction

Antique original