Joseph E. Johnston to Lettie Floyd Johnston, July 8, 1888

[Joseph Eggleston Johnston at Washington City to Miss Lettie Johnston at 107 South First St., Richmond, Virginia, July 8, 1888, folder 604, Trigg-Floyd Collection, Special Collections, John Cook Wyllie Library, The University of Virginia's College at Wise (formerly Clinch Valley College), Wise, Virginia. This is my rough transcription.]

July 8th 1888

My dear little Lettie,

Your note came to me in due time, and gave me great pleasure, by the affection that seconded it. In spite of which I didn't reply promptly, because of a violent inflammation of the eyes that made it painful and injurious to use them. Tell your father this is the reason for not replying to him, [sooner].

I shall in a few days, set out on a long expedition to inspect Pacific railroads which will occupy me all the rest of the summer, consequently leaving me no time to visit our own country, and enjoy the beauty of our hills, and the society of the children of my early friends and play-fellows, which gave me happiness in my last visit.

I have not been needing nursing, dear Lettie. When I do you will be sent for promptly. And between times, as often as you will come.

Most affectionately yours
J.E. Johnston

[Dear little Lettie = 44-year old Laetitia Floyd "Letty" aka "Lettie" Johnston (March 1, 1844-November 27, 1888). She died in Richmond before the end of the year, but I do not yet know the circumstances 
Joseph E. Johnston (1807-1891); his wife Lydia McLane Johnston had died in 1887 at the age of 65 
Pacific railroads = JEJ was Commissioner of Railroads 
Your father = John Warfield Johnston (1818-1889), JEJ's nephew]

Many thanks to William Myers, Mary Davy and Sally Young for their ongoing research collaboration. Picture credit: Susan Davis.