Well my dearie, don't you think you might write to a body? I do hunger for a sight of the dear familiar "scratch." I wrote on Sunday morning, and sent it down by a servant who was going to church.
I find that the most striking change here is the new state of things as to service. Several of the old family servants remain, but in spite of strong affection still existing between master and servant there is on the part of the latter an ever present feeling of freedom, which makes them impatient of control, careless in duty, and presuming our good nature.
On the master's side there is an uncomfortable sort of restraint and yet a wonderful self control, cheerful adaptation to such novel circumstances, and a quiet resignation to changed fortune and broken habits that is touching to see. They are as kind and cordial as can be, these two old people now left to sit almost alone by their fireside. Aunt Lucy is delicate but bright as ever, uncle R. is getting feeble though he looks better than I expected to see him. His reserve and sternness have softened, and he pets the children a great deal, but makes them behave while cussing them fondly.
Aunt L. seems so glad to have children in the house again, and Nellie goes to the smokehouse and kitchen on errands for her, and helps Harvey feed the chickens, and Aunt L. lets them pull violets and peach blossoms, and little single blue hyacinths, and already Nellie looks better. She would be entirely happy if she had some little girl to play with.
Yesterday uncle Tom Campbell was here, and will send over for me whenever I let him know I am ready to go. I cannot yet determine how long I will remain in Bedford.
I feel a little better to-day but cannot expect to be well for a few days yet. Bob and his sweet little wife came up to see me Sunday evening. John is so busy on the farm I can scarcely see him except at the table. Stephen is here for a few days on is way through the country "drumming" for his Richmond employers. Lou and Willie are at school in Liberty so the old place seems strangely still.
My dearie it may be the depressing effect of my physical condition just now but I do feel as if I had failed to do anything in the way of remembering little matters to get them in such order as not to embarrass or trouble you. Since I left you, I have thought of a thousand things I left undone. I will mention some which may yet be attended to, if you will direct Mary ["maid" -- penciled note] to do it. Will put them on a separate bit of paper.
Do you believe I would have been able to think of every thing I ought if I had stayed two days longer? [B]ut I know what you will say "never review what is past." So I will be good and try and stop thinking and go to sleep. This depression of spirits is still painful, but I am much better than I was this time last month.
Good-night my own, my all in this world.
Your own wife
[Mary Louisa Mitchell Binckley (1838-1930)
John Milton Binckley (1821-1878)
Aunt Lucy = Ann Lucy Phillips Mitchell (1809-187?)
Uncle R = Robert Crump Mitchell (1807-1872)
Harvey = Harvey Mitchell Binckley (1864-1928)
Nellie/Ellen = Nella Fontaine Binckley (September 1, 1860-April 27, 1951)
Uncle Tom Campbell (1813-1890), married to Martha S. Mitchell (1825-1890)
"Bob and his sweet little wife" = probably Robert Davis Mitchell (1837-1910) and Lucinda Jane Rider Mitchell (1839-before 1920)
John = probably John E. Mitchell (1843-1918)
Stephen = probably Stephen S. Mitchell (circa 1845-unknown)
Lou = probably Martha Louise Mitchell (1849-1937)
Willie = probably William M. Mitchell (circa 1850/51-?), not to be confused with Mary Louisa's brother of the same name]
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.
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