Nancy W. Dunlevy Anderson to Mr. and Mrs. James H. Anderson, April 22, 1861

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

Nancy W. Dunlevy Anderson to James H. Anderson, February 28, 1861

Marion, Ohio, February 28, 1861.

Dear Son: — Well, how are you and what are your prospects, and how are you enjoying yourself at the seat of government of the great American nation? Yesterday Princie told me that she thought from the tone of your letters you were passing the time pleasantly, but she feared you were not free from danger. While I fear that you or your father may not come home alive, and though intensely excited, I do not intimate my fears to any one. Be prudent. Don't expose yourself to danger except in defense of the country.

In the effort you are making, which is certainly laudable, I hope you may succeed, but if not, submit with grace and fortitude, and consider that it is probably for your good, perchance to save you from a watery grave; not that it is so important where we lay our bodies down if we have secured an interest in Christ. “What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” All the wealth of the Indies, nor all the gold of Ophir can redeem a soul.

I am not so ill as when you went away, but not yet quite well, though gaining strength. Have taken short walks for three successive days and feel benefited.

Princie¹ will not visit her relatives in Clark and Champaign counties, for she thinks the weather too cold and the roads too muddy to travel by private conveyance. She wants to visit her brother, and I advised her to do so, as the short trip on the railroad would be pleasant.

Since "you left, Princie has had a gloomy time in that big house, almost alone night and day.  Give your father my love.

Your affectionate mother.

_______________

¹ Mrs. James H. Anderson.

SOURCE: James H. Anderson, Life and Letters of Judge Thomas J. Anderson and Wife, p. 125