Letter from Ellison Capers to his wife Lottie, May 11, 1862

Letter from Ellison Capers to his wife Lottie, May 11, 1862

Capers writes that he came back from a long day and was told he had a letter from her; however, it was a letter from Mrs. R. He is upset that he has not received a letter from her in four days especially since he writes her everyday. He says that he doesn't want her letter writing to him to be a chore but something that she wants to do such as hold their son. He then talks about securing her board in Aiken and asks her not to think of the expense. He hopes that God will not permit the enemy to triumph and asks her to comment on many subjects in her future letters.

A1961.1, Box 2, Folder 43

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Ellison Capers Collection

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https://citadeldigitalarchives.omeka.net/items/show/480

[Page 1]
Sunday Night
Coles Isld.
May 11th 1862

My own precious Lottie

After a hard days work in mud & marsh & water, I came in at dusk, changed my clothes, washed all over, and then went up to the post office to get a letter from you, darling, but was told that my letter had been sent to my quarters; so I came back with a bounding heart to read my Lottie's words to me, but lo! The letter found here for me is from Miss R. Only to think of it, Lottie, four days and no letter from my wife! More than two weeks since we parted & only four letters sent me, which is an average of one letter every four days! And I write you every day. Well darling, just as we feel you know. I don’t want you to write me as a task. What I mean is, my darling, that I do not wish you to go to the desk to write me because you feel it to be your duty, or a part of your days labor. No Lottie--write me, my angel, if you can, as the bird flies away to the grove, to refresh its spirit among the genial flowers, and the

[Page 2]
pleasant shade--write me, my Lottie, just from the same impulse that the little boy, you hold in your arms, lays his head on your breast, because he finds most rest there. I am happier now, this moment, than I have been all day, because, Lottie, my most dear, I am talking to you. Then why should I not write, even though I am weary & worn from a long day’s work. I send you the letter from Miss R. When you are ready to leave Miss Augusta’s, I will go up to Aiken & see what sort of a place it is. If it suits you, I will secure your board there & then you can go whenever you please, dear. But you must positively have some fixed place of residence, & the expense I pray you, not to consider. I have so little respect for the energy of character and for the enterprise, and working capacities of our people, that if I did not love you devotedly, I would not give the turn of a straw for my life. If Charleston was garrisoned by a Yankee force, & we were threatening them it would soon be made impregnable. But whatever people mean

[Page 3 – written over page 2]
I can’t imagine. However, I believe in God’s goodness & surely, he will not permit our enemies to triumph. Let us so pray. I want to hear from you, my precious one, on many subjects but I believe I have mentioned them all in previous letters. What sort of socks am I to wear this summer? Would you advise me to keep on this thick red flannel? I find it very uncomfortably warm. Good bye Lottie. I am so tired & sleepy. God bless you & Frank, & may you be happy. Ellison

P.S. [illegible] sent me his respects, from Aunt V’s yesterday. Suppose I write up & ask Aunt V about Miss R?