Richmond Feby the 28th, 1862

My dear Mary [Edmonia Noland]

I can hardly believe that it is
a week today since I left home and I have not
been able to send you a line, but what with
trying to do a little shopping, going to church
and seeing friends, I have not had a moment-
s leisure, first about business, I am afraid
you were disappointed in the material I sent
you for Franks pants, but it was the only
thing I could find at either of the pri-
ces far less than $2.50 cts or three dollars a
yard, and really the price alarmed me so
that I thought it best to send the cheapest
and that was one dollar. I fear there is not
the least hope of your getting a deacent [sic] Cloak]?]
at F Rs. They have a few most of them
very inferior, at Sams[?] not one black one.
I will try next week to look at other
places if you wish it, every lady is doing
not only their spring, but summer shopping
and the stores are crowded so overflowing

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most of the goods are inferior such as we would
not think of looking at under ordinary circum-
stances, occasionally you pick up something that
no one else seems to want which is good and
not so unreasonable as those things most in de
mand. I am having a very pleasant time
at this house, and with my friends generally
the times, keep us quiet and thoughtful, but
seem to draw us nearer together.
I spent Wednesday at Mr Harrisons & stayed
all night, and should have enjoyed very
much but for my dear little Percy[?] being very
unwell, he has taken cold I fear, from going
out too soon after having mumps. I have
not from him today, shall go round
after dinner to see about him,
Lizy Wickham, Lizy Carter that was, died
yesterday, leaving a little babe two weeks old.
we go this evening to St Pauls to her funeral.
the remains are to be taken to Shirley,
General Lees Daughter May, who is staying at
this house is a very plain looking, but bright
and very pleasant in manner.
I saw bet this morning at the Jameses, she and
the children are well and now very comfort
ably fixed at the Arlington, she desired
me to tell you that she had heard from

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Mrs Scot that whoping[sic] cough was in the
neighbourhood of your Uncles, I saw the
Old gentleman in the street Tuesday, but
was not near enough to speak.
I thought of you all at home very much
in Church today my dear Pastor preached
one of his plain faithful gospel sermons
from these appropriate words “Come and let
us return unto the Lord, for he hath
torn and he will heal us,[“] he gives to
each and every one of us a goodly portion
if we could only be induced to take heed
and then soon would peace and happiness
abound in our land
Mr Wilmers consecration takes place
next week the day is not appointed yet
I hope you may be here by that time, I
have seen Mrs Wilmer, she is very sad and
very much affected when she met me

Heath[?] is looking wretchedly I fear, un-
less going to the South should prove benefi
cial, they will not have him with them
long, I have not heard Mr Wimer preach
since I came down. He preaches mostly at St
Pauls and I understand, attracting immence
crowds who come away saying they never heard
such impressive preaching before, God grant

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that it being forth fruit to the praise of
his name. My plan now is to go out
to Brookhill on Monday, and remain
there untill you come, let me hear
from you as soon as you can, and be
sure to direct your letter to the care
of Mr John S[?] should any
thing occur to prevent your coming you
must not hesitate to call me home
at any time you think it necessary for
me to be there.

it is a great pleasure
a spiritual feast for me to be here, but
the path of duty is always safe and plea-
sant too, unless we make it otherwise
by a rebelious spirit. Mr Wilmer was
sitting by me a day or two since and said dont
you miss being away from us. I told him he
must not speak to me of it, that no-
thing but the hope that I was living for the
comfort of my own flesh and blood
kept me up under it.

My love to you all, May god bless and
keep you in peace untill we meet
your affectionate Aunt B Sanderson
Never connect the march cold with Rich
mond when talking to me again, I have had
more cordial greetings here in the past week
than I had seen for months, months, past

[upside down in top margin of page 1]
My love to Call, let me
here particularly from him
when you write.

Mary B. Noland, recipient of the letter was the wife of Callender St. George Noland.

MSS 6463