Post by SFX on Jul 13, 2009 12:22:21 GMT -4
Dear, Dear Sister~
I trust this finds you well. I know Mother is enjoying your visit. Is Father still as he was when I was there last?
The sun has finally begun to shine here and in Maine. How wonderful to feel His warmth upon my face again. I am with hope that the gardens may be saved. There are still areas under water.
Sister, I went north for the dedication of the first monument in Maine being dedicated to the fallen men in this terrible war. I simply had to. Perhaps the day will come that one is erected and my dear Samuel's name shall be forever remembered as these fine men are. Mr. Lincoln and his lovely (if a bit odd) wife were there as well as Vice President Hamlin and his delightful wife, Ellen. The poor dear, he spoke at his first wife's grave and had Ellen help him place flowers for "the love of his life." No wonder she needs her medicine as much as she appeared to. The poor thing was dressed for dinner at it was not even noon yet! Now, sister, I know Mrs. Lincoln is from the South, but you would not believe the straw hat she wore. You would think someone on Mr. Lincoln's staff would advise her to proper attire for a lady of her position in society. I would never dare speak of such things to anyone but you.
There were a few of our wounded soldiers attending from the 2nd and 20th ME. And a cannon detachment to augment the ceremony and the lone bugler who played taps. One young man posted the symbols of our fallen men. I did well until that moment. I thought for sure I was having the vapors, but held my own.
The dedication was moving. Mr. Lincoln spoke with such reverence. You can see the war is wearing on him. I feel for any man in his position. As you know, sister, my wound is still fresh and it was not an easy day for me. Mr. Lincoln approached me and taking my hand, placed his handkerchief in it as mine was "too stained with tears." He gave me his condolences and thanked me for my sacrifice. A man of many sorrows, he is. And to have noticed my suffering lends to his character.
There were some folks from farther north there in the area and I joined them in celebrating the past...1790s. It was a delightful little town and a place called Leonard's Mills. How quaint a place that appears as if time stood still. Such a nice reprieve from the war and all 1864 is offering. And to spend a day dressed as Grandma used to! How liberating to leave my corset, hoop and dreadful black garb in the house for an afternoon. You will not believe what your sister did there. Well, you know me better than anyone and will believe it. I spent a few hours in the blacksmith shop. I know, it is not the place for a proper lady, especially one in my position, but that lends to keeping the pratting limited. And, dear sister, I fashioned a fork to use over the fire! Yes, yes, your little sister has discovered she is a natural at pounding that shapeless piece of iron into a useful tool. I look forward to making more soon. Now, sister, stop shaking your head at me. Would you expect any less of me? I do so hope in the future women are not bound by such limiting roles in society.
I must go now. The day is moving on without me.
My love to Mother and Father.
In Love and Light,
Your Sister,
Christabell
I trust this finds you well. I know Mother is enjoying your visit. Is Father still as he was when I was there last?
The sun has finally begun to shine here and in Maine. How wonderful to feel His warmth upon my face again. I am with hope that the gardens may be saved. There are still areas under water.
Sister, I went north for the dedication of the first monument in Maine being dedicated to the fallen men in this terrible war. I simply had to. Perhaps the day will come that one is erected and my dear Samuel's name shall be forever remembered as these fine men are. Mr. Lincoln and his lovely (if a bit odd) wife were there as well as Vice President Hamlin and his delightful wife, Ellen. The poor dear, he spoke at his first wife's grave and had Ellen help him place flowers for "the love of his life." No wonder she needs her medicine as much as she appeared to. The poor thing was dressed for dinner at it was not even noon yet! Now, sister, I know Mrs. Lincoln is from the South, but you would not believe the straw hat she wore. You would think someone on Mr. Lincoln's staff would advise her to proper attire for a lady of her position in society. I would never dare speak of such things to anyone but you.
There were a few of our wounded soldiers attending from the 2nd and 20th ME. And a cannon detachment to augment the ceremony and the lone bugler who played taps. One young man posted the symbols of our fallen men. I did well until that moment. I thought for sure I was having the vapors, but held my own.
The dedication was moving. Mr. Lincoln spoke with such reverence. You can see the war is wearing on him. I feel for any man in his position. As you know, sister, my wound is still fresh and it was not an easy day for me. Mr. Lincoln approached me and taking my hand, placed his handkerchief in it as mine was "too stained with tears." He gave me his condolences and thanked me for my sacrifice. A man of many sorrows, he is. And to have noticed my suffering lends to his character.
There were some folks from farther north there in the area and I joined them in celebrating the past...1790s. It was a delightful little town and a place called Leonard's Mills. How quaint a place that appears as if time stood still. Such a nice reprieve from the war and all 1864 is offering. And to spend a day dressed as Grandma used to! How liberating to leave my corset, hoop and dreadful black garb in the house for an afternoon. You will not believe what your sister did there. Well, you know me better than anyone and will believe it. I spent a few hours in the blacksmith shop. I know, it is not the place for a proper lady, especially one in my position, but that lends to keeping the pratting limited. And, dear sister, I fashioned a fork to use over the fire! Yes, yes, your little sister has discovered she is a natural at pounding that shapeless piece of iron into a useful tool. I look forward to making more soon. Now, sister, stop shaking your head at me. Would you expect any less of me? I do so hope in the future women are not bound by such limiting roles in society.
I must go now. The day is moving on without me.
My love to Mother and Father.
In Love and Light,
Your Sister,
Christabell