24th Virginia Infantry

Item CON-86

Description

4 pages, original Civil War Confederate letter written in period ink and war dated.

Camp near Unions Hills

Sunday morning, February 16, 1862

My Dearest Adeline,

I once take my pen in hand this beautiful Sabbath morning for the purpose of writing you a few lines in reply to your ever welcome letter to hand yesterday informing that you are as ever my most devoted lover.

As you say you know that it is the only pleasure I have is writing to you as I cannot see you and have no other way of doing to let you know my feelings towards you at the present time with the hope that the time is not far distance when you may have the pleasure as I once did by the side of you. The only pleasure I now enjoy is in anticipation of that glorious time when I can talk to you of the many hardships and trials I have undergone for the sake of you and you only, knowing that though I was in a distant land that I was not forgotten by you in times like ours now are.

You know not the pleasure it would be to me if I could be with you this morning instead of trying to interest you in my humble manner but as there is not the case I am happy to know I have this one privilege as yet and it is a happy one it is to your most devoted lover. Though at this time, you may have the engagement of company of others that are far more preferable to you than I would be. Let this be as it may. I am happy to have the pleasure of telling you the fine thoughts that enter my mind. Wish I could write as I feel, as I think that could interest you much more than I now do. But worthwhile to say I think of the times in our little town as you have them verbally by now from some of the company so I will postpone now say anything.

Though it now has been nine months since we engaged the company of each other. Thinking as you did that we would be from each other so long but I fear the time will be longer yet, before we have the pleasure of each other’s company. Think three months more and then my happiest of days will come. Though the time has been long since I parted with you and may it be that I may return to you and never more to leave you. Oh, I look forward to the time where we will meet each other never more to part.

Adeline, glad to know you have been to see Lina. Wish I had of been with you. Think I would have been much enjoyment to me but as you had the company of one that you enjoyed yourself so well with and far surpassed in hopes to what you enjoyed, I wish all to enjoy themselves. Think of me not being present but that of the crowd enjoying themselves much better than if I had of been with you, though wonder in the smiles of you would pass quicker than a minute now does.

Will Melia think you are not treating me right by not going to see my dear Sallie as of our turn? She think if I was there would not treat her so and all the chance I have is to do the best I can now and wait till I get to Floyd and then will go to see my dear the only one I claim to be dear to me. So then you can find out who that is if they are not others which I expect will be from what some person says that before they come back to these parts will make the attempt to get you for their companion through this life and cheer them in a dying moment by the sweet smiles of his dear Melia. This may be the case and had would it be it so to me but if I should turn out that way I now have too much confidence in you at this time to suffer my feeling to despair on the thought of such a union as that is not till I have reason to believe otherwise will I despair on such a defeat as that and I now have the matter with you and you only. And the next time I hear from you will decide. So as you know who it is will not call any more. I heard of the illnessof Mr. H. and that his Pa was going after him. Hope he gets home. For the army is known place for the sick soldier. Home and its graces is the place for him, where he can see his dear friends and acquaintances. Know you will have a nice time when he gets well. Like to see you and him meet. Think you would honor him with a kiss as he has been sometime since you saw him and if you please give him one for me. So you will get to kiss twice, instead of once. And then you can take some trouble off of Bob’s hands and kindle up the ole coals.

Adeline, think you have become very lukewarm by staying at home and not going to preaching. Well as you have had preaching so close and some that is very interesting will consider and say I would like to go with you to hear them having improved much. Think I will have to give it up as they have the oldest right. So I decline. Tell Lucy that I send my best regards to her and that I am happy to know that I am to be one of the crowd at her and Sam’s wedding. Quite nice and that she need not fear think Sam will not enlist till he sees her and I don’t blame him for it. So I look forward to the time when I may see her and Sam united in the holy ties of matrimony. So you can tell Lucy that Sam is well with the exception he has the mumps now. Send his love to her.

Well Melia, will have to close as my paper is nearly written up now. Whitt is well and all the rest of your acquaintances and as for your Cary, you have him in your own company and can tell me how he is getting along. Sorry to say it is raining and the ground covered with snow. Will close by sending my sweet regards to your Pa and Ma, Bob and Octavia, Lucy and Sara and accept my best love to yourself. This leaves me well. Hope may find you the same. So, farewell.

I remain and ever will be your most devoted lover,

T. T. Graham

To P. A. Underwood

P. S. Let me hear from you soon.