Mary (Chapin) Burt - July 10, 1864 - New Haven, IN

New Haven July 10/64

Dear Ones at Home,

Once more I have seated myself to write to you after so long silence. I receieved a letter from Marcia, also one from Oscar which I was entirely astonished to see. I have not answered his letter yet but intend to as soon as I finish this. I have but little spare time for writing now. Heart, hand and brain are kept busy. I have made and tended my own garden this summer with but little help. In addition to that I have to work every way to use the strictest economy in every thing, no matter what you get now you have to pay an exorbitant price. Merchants say here that muslin will be one dollar per yard before Christmas. I was in hopes that there might be a decline instead of an advance God help the poor, for if there is still an advance in produce and merchandise the poor must suffer. The high-er the prices, the more independent the merchants become for they can sell goods that used to be 10 cts. for 40 to 50 The merchants in Ft. Wayne have signed a pledge that will not throw in any thread hooks eyes, buttons, &tc. I think it would be an excellent plan for the country people to sign a pledge that they will not bring any marketing into Wayne for a given time. Ought to have some oppo-sition. I suppose you have heard that Welling was wounded and in the hospital. Was wounded by a ball passing in his left cheek and striking against a back tooth of his lower jaw on the right side extracting it (of course) cutting his tongue and taking out some teeth. I have not heard if he has joined the regiment again or not. Philip was wounded in the same battle, in the ankle. I presume you have heard of the death of his wife Mary. His daughter is living with Mr. Maginity’s Mrs. Evans Malona’s mother is dead, and Mr. Evans’ has broke up house keeping for the present, untill he can find a place to suit him. Said he could not stay there any longer now. He had been very sick himself very near death I believe. Isaac has moved with his family to Peoria Ill. gone in the painting business Did you know that Mr. Francis Denman is a Lieut. in a company of one hundred days men? Mr. Denman has no sons now at home.

Well Hannah I guess Josey has some what beat you in one way. She has went and gone and done it Had the pleasure of a visit from Mr. & Mrs. Brown. Mother Burt has been here again her stay was nearly three weeks. She has considerable trouble in getting things for Josey to keep house. She would like to be able to give her a complete outfit. It makes no difference about the times or circumstances. She thinks Josey must have every thing. They are living at her father-in-law’s this summer Well we have had a little sprinkling of bad luck again. The mill caught fire and burned down. Have not got it repaired yet. It is such hard work to get anything done now; hands are scarce. Well I believe I must stop and put the beans over to cook so if you have not any beans at home just come over and take dinner with me. If we have rain I will soon have cucumbers and green tomatoes and turnips and cabbage. The beets are large enough to cook now. My corn will be late as I had a great time to get it started, had to replant some of it three or four times, good bye until after dinner.

Dinner is over (or supper I suppose) beans devoured, I was afraid Lizzie and Nora would hurt themselves. Willie and I are not so fond of them but when I can’t get any thing else green I can eat them. There was a Sunday School here the Fourth. Had a basket dinner as they call it, no table set, but every took their own and sat down and eat it. It was not very interesting to me but the children enjoyed it very much Lizzie and Nora were elected to carry the streamers School was out week before last, but it has taken up again; commenced last week. I am sorry that it was commenced so soon I think it is too warm. So warm and sultry that actually I am too lazy to breathe (without writing.)

Marcia I thank you for those verses you wrote to Lizzie they are very good for the times. Have you seen the songs “Just before the battle, Mother,” and “I’ve come home to die, Mother”. I think they are pretty and if you do not know them I will send you the words next time I write. Hannah I would like to know what has become of you. Why can’t you let a body know where you are and what you are doing. I hope you are not like Joe so much to take your attention , that a letter to write would be looked upon with contempt. Write me all the news and more too if you can think of it: my love to all. I heard that Mrs. Johns is living at her Father’s how does that happen. good bye

yours off

M. L. Burt

did you plant any sorghum

this year? molasses is such

a high price.

have just finished

writing to Oscar - -

come and see us when you can