Pikeville, Tenn.

Dec. 15, 1861

My dear husband,

It seems scarcely worth while for me to write to you tonight as Erasmus left this morning, but I feel that it will be a relief to my feeling of loneliness. Your letter almost gave to me the "blues". We were making large calculations for Christmas enjoyments; but if you do not come mine will all fall to the ground. I still hope father will come but no one can fill the void in our house that your absence makes. I feel a restless indescribable - - - I do not know what to call it. Perhaps you have felt it in my absence. This does not signify that my love for my father and brothers has in the least abated; "I do not love them any less; but you more". The children are looking forward to your return with the expectation of much pleasure. I still hope you may get off. 

I do not much like to stay here during the Christmas holidays without some protection. I know your business is requiring some attention. I will not make any large engagement for wood till you come as I think perhaps you can do better than I can. I have so much running round and looking after to do I do not get much done. I have not suceeded in having the hogs brought down. I have Rush employed to do it now. He and Erasmus killed one of the hogs. Mrs. Pankey's waggon was going to Fosters and I got Steve to bring our flour - - he brought it for .30. Our oats is almost all gone. Some one is taking them nightly. We mark them so that we know; they are moved and then we could miss them any how. I will try to have the stable fixed so as to be more secure. Call Pankey comes sometimes two or three times a week and now he has a horse here. I am afraid to make any of them mad as we are so much alone. Cal Norwood said he would look after our premises but he is always gone. 

We have no water in the sistern and have to carry for the hogs and ash hopper, too. I have put all my cloth out to be woven; but can't get any money changed to pay for any thing. It takes a great deal of money to get along the way we are going now. I cannot get any one to do any good cutting wood and it keeps me always on the road. I want you to bring me some small change if you come. Also 1/2 a pound of soda as we are nearly out. I have sent by Cal Norwood for some; but it will not be here for some time. I must have four dozen of six hundred thread if I can get it for my lincy and there is none here. Can you bring me some from Washington? I heard there was some there. It is late now and I sat up till 12 o'clock last night sewing - - it is all the chance I have to get any work done. The children want me to tell you they will have plenty of milk now as Old Cherry is giving milk. I wish you could eat with us. You should have as much milk and mush as you could eat. Do you ever get any milk? Or have you learned to drink coffy. 

We will live well when we get to making butter again. Our irish potatoes are a little injured by the frost, but eat very well. Erasmus will tell you all the news and it is not worth while for me to write any more now. Give my love to Jo. and Will and tell them to write. You do not write the particulars as I would like to have them. I (have) hopes of seeing you soon. I am

Your affectionate wife

M.M. Hill

I have some things ready for you, but have had no chance to send your trunk. I knew nothing of the hacks going over to the river till it was started and they could not wait for me to get your things ready. I know you need it. Our boy is one of the cross ones - -almost up to Lu, but grows very well, I think. He sleeps well after I go to bed but gets up when I do most of the time. You have not sent me any news but you have been away from ____ . I do not hear much news now. O, do be shure to come Christmas. I can't give it up if I can help it. I want the boys to come when they can. I wish I could go and see you.

 


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Transcription used with permission of Charles Massey.

Archivists:
Transcription by Charles Massey.
Image by G. Anne Sloan