Angie McNeil - November 20, 1861 - Lancaster, OH

Dear Sister Dorca

Marcia

Lancaster Nov 20th 1861

Mrs D C

It is such a long time since we have exchanged letters that I almost feel as thought I was addressing a stranger. Such a state of affairs between sisters is wrong, and I am aware that I am very much to blame, to give reasons for doing as I have done I cannot, but my determination as present is to make amends for it - by doing better in the future. Harriet received a letter from you some time ago and I have heard her say some dozen of times, “I must write to Dot and Marcia.” Lately she has had excuse enough for not writing, her children have all been sick with Diptheria, her babe died with it, and after its death she had it her-self. Sister I never knew how to sympathise with you in the loss of your little one until we lost our little Fanny. We miss her night, morning and at all times. Kate is such a larg girl that to have a baby was a wonderful thing we nearly idolized her never thinking but that we could always keep her with us her death has caused a desolate place in each of our hearts. Harriet well but very low spirited, she feels the loss of her Darling so much. Once more we can say that we are all well, and that is something that we have not been able to say for some time. Ella and Kate are getting to be large girls, Ella is ten years old, and Kate nearly seven, they both go to school, they look about as much alike as Hat and I used to Ella has blue eyes and light complexion Kate has very large black eyes and is dark complexioned, she is thought by many to be very hansome, she is real bright and smart, is one of the greatest young ones to cut capers I ever saw she has considerable of mother about her. Ella is more sedate and quiet, more like her Aunty, It does not seem possible to me that Denny is large enough to work and plough I always think of him as he used to be when I was at your house when I was teaching [illegible] I would love to come and see you all; but I expect it will be a long time before I can have that pleasure. I am sorry to hear that your health is so poor you have one of the worst diseases that was ever had by any one. Elizabeth suffered so much, and yet she did not die with it. I suppose you have heard from Mother since we have, for Jim wrote us. I had a letter from Mary McNeal last week she was not very well, was suffering from neuralgia in her teeth, she bragged considerable about her smart baby, said they talked about calling it Charles McClellan McNeal. [Illegible] boy is growing finely they call it Eddie Denman. Sallie Davis she that used to be Salle Cassingham has a young daughter. We are having a Regiment of soldiers organizing here this winter. Mr Pepple has the bakery [illegible] for them which keeps him very busy for the present. Give my love to all of your family, each one in particular I remember and love them all. Harriet sends her love to you all, and will write to you as soon as she feels in better spirits. Excuse her for the present -

Mrs D Chapin

I dont know much about Coshocton news I heard that [illegible] Bart was Captain of a Co. of volunteers. I never hear from Tommy or Mary anymore than if they was not living. He promised when he was here last fall to write as soon as he got settled. I am not teaching this winter, they wanted me where I taught last summer but the give such low wages that it would not justify me in going I dont care much about teaching in the winter for I [illegible] take such violent colds

Tell Marcia that I would write her, but it would only be a repetition of the same that I have written you. I cant think of anything more to write this time, and will close hoping you will be kind enough to forgive my shortcomings and write to me soon Remember me to Chapin. Does he and Oscar ever get the war fever? With much to you and yours I remain Your Sister

Angie

I have just finished a letter to Han Mc, and will send it with this so if she dont get it you can tell her I wrote