Misc., Letter M.F. Whatley to U.V. Whatley, April 1862, LaSalle Parish, La.

Submitted by: Sarah Whatley Stringer




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White Sulphur Springs
April 27, 1862

My darling brother,
     It is with delight I attempt to answer your very kind and cheering
letter written three days before the battle. Surely I never had such
feelings before I wondered how one so young as yourself could have
courage to face the cannon's mouth; but since the battle I have has a
letter from Cousin ? Whatley in which he said you stood upon the
battlefield as firm as the rock of Gibraltar and as brave as a lion. Oh
Bud this was so comforting. I feel I can never have a greater honor
bestowed upon me ever shall I be proud of you my lovely brother. In your
last letters you say the balls fell as thick around you as hail, yet you
were preserved. Bud this was in answer to prayer. I have ever felt that
you would return to us unhurt and now I feel still more encouraged to
continue asking the blessings of God. I know if we ask in faith our
requests will be answered.
     Ma received a letter from Mrs. Curry which will be answered soon. I
was so much delighted to see another letter from your dear hand; but Oh
Bud I have been so uneasy about your foot the lightest pressure of a
cannonball going with force would cause great pain. I hope you have good
attention and you will soon be well.
     Bud I should like to know what company you went to after Captain
Curry was wounded; this caused us much distress. I felt as though I had
heard of the sufferings of a dear relative when I heard your Capt had
fallen.
     If you can, please give me the names of those twenty who were with
you upon the battlefield. I should like to know them. I regret very much
the wound Mt. Hamilton received, I suppose he will be sent home.
     Bud suppose you try to get a sixty day furlough and come home for a
while. I feel so anxious to see you I sometimes feel like going to you
.I then know such an idea is out of all reason and banish it as soon as
possible.
     I have been trying myself in poetry recently and as Pa and Ma
request it I will send you one piece written on spring, it is this;
Again the lovely spring returns;
     Clothed in varied green,
But O! how oft have sorrows burned,
     Since last they have been seen.
Many flowers has Flora thrown;
     To deck this sin stained earth;
But O! how sad the heart has grown,
     Since last the flowers had birth.
The rippling stream once charmed my ear;
     Melodious the sound;
Now sadness fills my heart with fear;
     As its sweet tones rebound.
I hear the birds sweet warbling voice;
     This for a moment cheers;
And then my heart is made rejoice,
     But soon it's filled with fears.
I listen to the winds sad moan;
     As swift it passes by;
I think of one now far from home;
     And then I'm forced to cry.
The children's merry laugh I hear;
     It sounds both light and free;
But O! there's one to me most dear,
     His face I cannot see.
This one is on the tented field;
     And he's my brother dear;
I ask O! God be thou his shield,
     And ever for him care.
This Bud is my feelings. Let what will arise to cheer my solitary way it
is soon shaded by a sigh of sorrow or a thought of grief. This paper is
not ruled and I have written very badly therefore please excuse this
letter
     Tell Howell I shall write to him soon. I am glad to hear from him
occasionally.

Your sister who loves you,

Melissie F. Whatley