Mary Louisa Mitchell Binckley to John Milton Binckley, August 23, 1865

[Mary Louisa Mitchell Binckley at Eastville, Virginia, to John Milton Binckley at Washington City, August 23, 1865].

Eastville, Aug. 23d 1865

It has been two weeks to-day, my beloved, since you left me, and one week since I have heard from you, so you may imagine how anxiously I look for a letter to-day. It seems such a terrible long time since you went away.

We have all settled down again. The house looks natural. The "old ladies" are drying fruit. Sue [Sue Henry Mitchell/Michel, 1847-1940] sews and churns. I nurse my baby who is sick with his teeth and try to sew and have neuralgia. 

The greatest trouble now is that the hands are refractory and cannot be made to work. Lord [possibly Lt. Thomas William "T.W." Lord] confesses there is very little power in his hands to make them. [H]e put George (who for several days behaved outrageously) in jail for me and has given me permission to dismiss him if he behaves badly again, which I expect will be very soon.

I have sent one of the horses away to reduce expenses, and, will have to buy some more corn and fodder. Doctor [pencil note: "a horse"] is improving. We had some very nice cider made, will have some more pressed as soon as we hear that you are coming, for [in] this weather it soon sours.

The King boys took tea (by invitation) with us before they went home. I like them both.

Do see about the box of claret. I can't bear to have it lost.

The Floyds have been kind and neighborly. I have [page missing?] . . .

. . . severe attack (and that did not last 24 hours) that I was in hopes that she would enjoy her life here. I do hope this will be the last attack she will have of this detestable disease. She will write to you in a few days.

As usual, I have been interrupted again, and now have only time to say goodbye and close this hurried scrawl. I have'nt [haven't] the remotest idea now what I have written. Mother B. is still asleep, or I would have some special message for you. Fortunately Father had just a present of some delightful wine, and some birds, both of which she seemed to enjoy very much. And she is now taking Plantation Bitters. She positively refuses to see a doctor again.

I must stop -- Father is starting. Oh if I could only see you for one minute! [A]nd yet that would only be an aggravation. -- Mary

[P.S.] By next mail I shall give you an account of "Money I have spent." The goods are all received, and I got them hauled for nothing. 

Original manuscript in the John Milton Binckley Papers, 1816-1943. Library of Congress Manuscript Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA. This is my rough transcription. 

Many thanks to William Myers for sending scanned copies of the documents from the Binckley papers, and also to Mary Davy and Sally Young for their assistance.