Henrietta Fawcett Gauss - 1864-01-28

 
St. Charles, April 29th, 1863 Dear Henry,
                    I would have written to you last week, but knew your Father intended going down, and thought that a visit from him would be much better than a letter.  we are truly glad to learn that Charley is out of his difficulties, and hope that he will be allowed to stay out.   I suppose you felt very brave when the soldiers told you, that you must go with them.
                    Now I want you to put on your best manners and go to your Cousin Mary and ask her if she will bet me two little white bonnets for Albert -- I want two because they will soil so quick ----Mrs. Farris told me she thought I could get them at the "House of Industry" or a place near there.-- tell Mary not to put herself to any great trouble about them, the most important matter is, that they shall not cost too much -- I thought you could bring them up, when you come next week.-- You and Oscar ought to have come this week -- we have received an invitation from the young ladies at Linden Wood to attend their "pic nic", in the woods the other side of Mr. Alderson's, on friday next.  Sis got a letter on Monday, from Aunt Gee, she was well -- perhaps she will be at home when you come -- I asked Uncas to meet you here next week, he said he would do so, if he could.  Little Albert was quite sick last week, I had no idea what was the matter with him at the time, but suppose from the appearance of the present discharges from his ear, that the little fellow has suffered with the ear-ache.  Father says you may look for him on Saturday -- he intends to take Theodore, and Robert with him, and told Eugene that if he would be good, and if the weather is good, that he might go along.
                    With much love to you, and all the rest,

Your Mother,
Henrietta Gauss