Marion, Ohio, April 22d, 1861.
Dear Children: — I feel
sad, O very sad this morning. You are gone, and we know not what awaits you. I
trust in God for your protection. May you also trust Him, casting your whole care
upon Him, for He careth for you. Fear God, keep his commandments, and
everything shall work together for your good. Be very kind to each other,
forbearing in all things. No other course can insure happiness. Remember you
are alone in the world, no other in touch caring whether you are happy or
miserable. This should bind you the closer together. You will find in your care
for each other's happiness you increase your own. * * * Dear little M–––, how I
wish I could see her. Here lies her doll — little “Judy.” Tell her grandma will
take care of it.
They are still
beating up for troops. Mr. James H. Godman's company is not yet full. O I wish
you had been here at church yesterday. Such an hour I never passed. William D.
Godman preached, touching on our troubles, then held “general class.” We felt
that we were hearing some speak for the last time. Just think, sixteen of the
young men of our church among the volunteers! I wish you could have heard them
— such high-souled, patriotic, ennobling sentiments: sentiments I never heard
uttered. There was not, I think, a dry eye in the house. All seemed to feel it
to be a religious duty to defend our country. Ambrose Mouser, son of Isaac
Mouser, a very intelligent young man who has been at the University three years
and expected to remain two more, rose and said it had been his greatest
ambition to get an education, but that he could and would give up his college
course to serve his country. William D. now arose, and said he honored the
student that quit his studies to serve his country, and that he would not have
lost that “hour in class for a fortune in gold.” But I have no language
to give you any idea of the meeting.
Annie1
was working on the flags all day Saturday and is still at work. The young
ladies make and present them to the companies. I will write every day whilst
you are in New York. Get all the information while in New York from Bromberg2
that you can, but be sure to be careful of him. After your arrival in Germany,
Josephine3 expects a letter from Princie.
Your affectionate mother.
_______________
1 Annie E. Anderson.
2 Once U. S. Vice Consul at Hamburg.
3 Mrs. Josephine L. Tirrill nee
Tillotson.
SOURCE: James H.
Anderson, Life and Letters of Judge Thomas J. Anderson and Wife, p.
125-6
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