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Petersburg, Va.
December 28th, 1864
My darling Sarah,
I am very much disappointed at the fact of
your not having rec'd a letter from me yesterday. I wrote on Sunday and gave the letter to
Mr. Hall who was going over on Monday on going home to dinner that day I found he had not
left but intended so doing on Tuesday. Which, owing to the illness of his brother, he did
not do; but as he says he will leave positively today, I have destroyed the first letter I
wrote and shall embody a portion of it in this.
Yesterday I rec'd yours of 25' inst. which
together with two others rec'd on Friday & Saturday puts me in possession of three
dear tokens of love from you. They were truly sweet ones and I revelled in reading them.
My spirits on Friday were considerably depressed for I had been told of the fall of
Savannah, but upon rec'g your letter I was greatly revived.
I note your remarks, my darling, on the
present state of affairs; they are all very true, but I do hope & look forward to a
speedy important change in our military condition. I consider the defeat that has fallen
on Hood is far more serious to our cause than Sherman's march thro' Georgia & the fall
of Savannah. As you probably know, Genl. Lee has been made Commander in Chief of the
Armies and has reinstated Genl. Johnston in command of the Western Army, at least so it is
here reported. I went up to Genl. Lee's H.Q.rs yesterday on business & saw him, but he
did not say anything to me about this.
Christmas has come and gone. I spent it at
Mrs. Banks' where I had quite a sumptuous repast, finishing up with her eggnog, cake,
&c. I ate so much sponge cake that whenever you would touch me, it would be just like
squeezing an India rubber ball.
Yes, my darling, everybody is getting
married. Daily the matrimonial column of the newspapers have two or more notices. Today I
read in the "Examiner" of the marriage of Miss Vanessa Schlaffenberger to a Dr.
Hobson (rather a harsh name for "Hobson's choice"). I wonder if one of the
bridal presents was not a bowl of sauerkraut. To translate the lady's name (sleeping
mountains) would be very romantic in English; If she is as large in proportion as her name
is long), "I tots mine gracious" she would be one of your Teutonic females of
delicate "barrel" waist, whose arms are the size of one person, and bust a young
Sebastopol. Yah dat ist diese—Didn't I told you so!
Apropos to the above let me tell you of the
debut of Henry into the "Kugel Society of the Cockade City"—This morning he
informed me that the night previous he had been to a party at a Mr. Rosenfeld's, and, (to
use his expression) "had a bully time"—I told him that his chances in Richmond
having "gone up" and Savannah being in the hands of the enemy (for he says he
has a sweetheart there) he had probably decided upon locating in this City and was
"looking around." When you write to him say that you understand he was
particularly attentive to Miss Feibleman (niece of the Hazan) at the party. He borrowed my
jacket (unknown to me) & wore it in the occasion, he must be very anxious to wear the
bars.
I have not been able to see the Hanucka
lights this year. Last year I was with my Aunt and officiated in reading the service as I
always did at home for in addition to lighting the lamps in Synagogue we always did so at
home. That was our Christmas, as children and we always rec'd presents & enjoyed
ourselves—but those times have passed and I only expect to see them again when I shall
have a family of my own to hand down these ceremonies to. Don't you say so too, my Pet?
As I wrote you in my last, my love, that it
was my intention to apply for a leave of absence for 20 days (I can't get more) when my
Serg't Major returns, you may rest assured I shall count the days until the time comes for
me to see you. Elhanon left here for Richmond on Monday Evening & returns this
evening. After I shall have been with you in February not many weeks will elapse ere
Pesach. So you see how we shall work it—just so!
I wish you would make a pkge of gray cloth
& a strip of red cloth to make cording for the pantaloons & lining & (keep out
the gold braid, hook & eye) and I will send for it. I am much obliged to you for
fixing the shirt. Include it in the bundle.
Love to all my darling and accept the same
from your devoted & affectionate
Edwin
Henry sends his love to you & all — He
expects there is a pkge for him at the Express Office & asks if your father will
please attend to it for him.
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