St. Helena's, May 8, 1862.
It is so very late and I have been writing business letters
till my eyes are dim, but I must say just a word to you. I am so comforted by
your letters. Not that I need special comfort, for I never was in better health
and spirits, but it is so good to get a word from you.
I think it is a shame that I cannot get a minute's time to
write to my own family, but the work here must be done. We want ten more
women in this one house. Fortunately I have got the servants drilled and so the
house is not much on my mind. You ought to have seen me to-day keeping store
for the negroes. The whole $2000 of goods were consigned to me, and you may
imagine me unpacking clothing for some time. The molasses, etc., I leave to Mr.
P., but he advised me to keep the clothing and I see the advantage of it.
I like the work and change and bustle, and I am gloriously
well. I am rejoicing to-day in the first batch of letters for nearly a month.
But it was as you said, I had to carry my much longed for letters in my pocket
for hours before I could get a chance to read them. People — people all the
time at me; servants, young superintendents to lunch, or to be seen on
business, sick negroes. I do lots of doctoring, with great success.
There are no dangers about here. No island was taken at all.
Do not believe all you hear.
SOURCE: Rupert Sargent Holland, Editor, Letters and
Diary of Laura M. Towne: Written from the Sea Islands of South Carolina
1862-1864, p. 38-9
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