Letter from Margaret Duncan on her mother's health, family news, and teaching

Union Falls N.Y. Jan. 30

My Dear Aunt Mary.

Your very welcome letter to Mother mailed Dec. 10th came about 2 weeks since. When it arrived Mother was quite ill unable to sit up long at a time. She has had a slow fever; has also been very lame. She had erysipelas in her lame limb. But I am glad to say she is now much better; so that she sits up most of the time; and sew and knit some. But she does not feel quite strong enough to write a letter yet and wishes very much to have one sent to you so James and I have set about writing something.

I have often thought of writing to you; but have never seemed to find a convenient time before. Have always remembered with much pleasure the visit you made us just before taking your long journey. We hear from Charlie often. When he last wrote he was taking some comfort with a box that we sent him last September. We had given up all hopes of his ever receiving it, as long a time had elapsed after we sent it, written our hearing anything from it. But, [?] to say, the cake and other eatables are put up, trusted very well to [?] when he got them. The dear boy has been through much hardship but still does not complain and seems to feel happy in thinking he is doing his duty. He was mercifully pressured through the dreadful battle of Fredericksburgh: and escaped unharmed, while some of his intimate friends were wounded. Oh! How long did the days seem to us after news of that bloody battle reached us before we heard from him. When we did hear from him I trust we were truly thoughtful. But now we are constantly excited by hearing that “another heavy battle may be expected soon.” We can only try to be prepared for the worst: hope for the best: and trust in Him who “[watch?] all things well.”

I copied you letter and sent it to Charlie. If her ever got it and has an opportunity I think he will write you. He sent us a good likeness of himself a short time since. So if we ever have peace again shall we not know how to prize it? We have some fears that we may have trouble in our state, with our Democrat governor. Mother rec’d. last week, a long and very interesting letter from Uncle William. He is still at Prescott, Wisconsin. We had heard nothing from him for a long time, before. He and his wife were well but Fannie (who resides in Kalamazoo) was not in very good health. James has been with us a week. It is pleasant to have him come home once in a while.
Frank & Elisa are both at home.

I have been teaching the little school in our district; but it closed 2 weeks since. I was glad on account of Mother’s illness to have it out. We have had a very mild and pleasant winter –have had very little [?], but have some at present. I will enclose a poor photograph which may give my Oregon cousins some idea of their cousins Margaret’s looks. Don’t think it flatters me very much, I would live very much to become acquainted with my cousins. Wish I could get this likeness and I would like very much to have them write to me. So there’s a good chance teachers in your vicinity? Perhaps I may at some future time visit [C?] if there is.

I have written in such a haste, I fear you can not decipher this: Mother expects to write as soon as she gets well enough to do so. Do letters hear from you very soon. Mother sends love to yourself & family in which she is joined by your [?]

Margaret B.D.