16 January 1865
We passed a sad Xmas, last year my dear William spent 10 days with us, & I felt all the time that those hours were before me, his affectionate greeting of us, the loving kind tones of his voice, his fine manly form, & expressive face, were ever in my mind, & I mourned for my lost son.—We had many mercies, we were well, & the family at home enjoyed a bountiful repast, on Xmas day and on New Years day. The winter has been a very cold one, but we have had a home & food. This day Elizabeth left us to be assistant teacher in Miss Read’s School in Unionville. Miss Kenedy has been very kind in interesting herself about this plan of Elizabeth’s, & went down with her to day , to see the school begin, E is to teach French & Music.—This dear child has been the comfort and help of her parents, and family, she has taught her sisters, & Harry, and benefitted them in every way. Lotty, owing to her care & instruction is well educated, & Harry has been most unwillingly instructed, in French, and in every way elevated, & improved.—She must be followed, wherever she goes, with a blessing; a dutiful, & Christian child. Miss Read is keeping house, & we hope E will find it pleasant there.—
The war goes on and things look gloomy but I have an abiding faith in the success of the Cause.—
Lewis is with Hood’s Army, and we have not heard from him for 2 Months, John is in the Sea King, our new Privateer, & now I believe our only one as Second Lieutenant.—Arthur in Charleston in the Signal Service, and Berkley with his Marion Artillery on Johns Island, where he does in turn Picket duty.—Gabriella teaches 2 small children & gives Music lessons to one little girl which furnishes her with a little pocket money.—
There has been a terrible rain storm which greatly injured the Rail Roads we have not had mail for a week.