Scope and Contents

Believes that he has not written to her since the beginning of the war; since he cannot tell her all about his experiences in such a short letter, he will tell her about the daily routine; the family gathered yesterday for Thanksgiving; as a result of the recent death of Mrs. Gilpin [Elizabeth Maury's mother], only family and Mr. Van Ness were included; there was much conversation after dinner, except from Maury Brother [Uncles Matthew and Rutson] who both fell asleep; Sarah stayed with Miss Dunning for the holiday, as she [Miss Dunning] was ill as usual; thinks that Sarah presents an excellent example of martyrdom to the world; Walker was absent as well, visiting the Turners[?]; Uncle Rutson made a toast to all their absent friends; Uncle Matthew is not the same person since his trip to Europe; Aunt Elizabeth is "nothing to boast of"; Mary is much improved; if he and Mytton were not already fond of other girls, they might become sweet on Mary; William has gone to New Orleans to join James and Rutson; the Sabines' daughters have become young ladies; william [Sabine?] is a pastor in Philadelphia church; he is a bigot, and he preaches against slavery and rebellion; his congregation agrees with his views; the house is decorated the same way; Aunt Ann seems older, and worries about her [Nan] and Harriet; thinks Aunt will be much happier when she sees her again; he is "domesticated" again and wishes she had as few troubles as he did; feels deeply for her in all her hardships and wishes he could do more to alleviate them. 4pp. ALS