Mary Louisa Mitchell Binckley to John Milton Binckley, January 30, 1865

Major General Edward O. C. Ord and His Family 

[Mary Louisa Mitchell Binckley at Eastville, Virginia, to John Milton Binckley at Washington City, January 30, 1865]

Eastville [Virginia] Jan. 30th 1865
Monday evening

I wrote a long letter, my dearie, that was put in the office this noon. Just afterwards I heard one or two additional items of such importance that I thought best to write at once, and let you receive both letters at once.

I told you there was a mill. I found on closer investigation, that after the first year, that was made by Gov. [U.S. Government] a separate affair, and not let or included with the Farm. Quite an important item. Then father [Harvey Mitchell/Michel, 1799-1866] told me Westcoat [aka Wescott] would rent the unenclosed field. Of course he was mistaken. As I discovered for myself this afternoon. Still, after all, the rent is so moderate, that it is quite satisfactory to me. I will find out in the next two days how much fencing it will take to enclose the other field, expense &c and let you know. It is a nice day's wonder for Eastville that a woman has taken such a farm, and that we have enterprise enough to move again.

And only think! in the midst of all this I am actually planning a jollification. When [Major General] Ord [Edward Otho Cresap Ord, 1818-1883] was here, he begged me to come over and [word(s) covered by envelope] at the Fort [Fort Monroe] now, and invited Sue [Sue Henry Mitchell/Michel, 1847-1940]  too. She is fairly crazy to go, and I have agreed to go over one boat day and return the next. Mother [Jane Mary Wood Johnston Mitchell/Michel, 1811-1892] urges me to go, and will take care of Harvey [Harvey Mitchell Binckley aka "baby" (1864-1928; later documents claim 1866 birth] for me. And dearie, I was quite sure you would like it.

The One thing I regret exceedingly. This old Bridgeman's lease does not expire until the 8th of Feb. keeping us out there for nine most precious days for no earthly power could get him out sooner, he is so furious. All I can do is het horses, hands & implements all ready, and go right in as soon as possible. White [Lt. Col. Frank J. White, Provost Marshal]  advises me to put in a tremendous crop (50 acres!) of spring potatoes! I expect I will have plenty of advice, and may glean & pick at some valuable thing. 

Nellie [aka Nella Fontaine Binckley, 1860-1951) is boisterous. Baby spoiled but well, indeed all of us well. Mother Binckley [Charlotte Stocker Binckley (1788-1877)]  is, I think, (in spite of her dislike of the climate,[)] in better health than I ever knew her, has good appetite[,] sleeps well, and has scarcely a touch of neuralgia, is in good spirits[,] too.

Before I forget it let me beg you to send me a "power of attorney," to sign your name &c. I ought to have it about the lease.

I must stop now or this won't go.
Your own Mary

[Telegram note, MLMB at Eastville, Virginia, to JMB at Washington City via Daily Chronicle Office, January 28, 1865]:

"Can get deep branch [Deep Branch] farm rent five hundred shall I[?]"

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.