Wigwam April 24^th

My Darling One—

How are you this bright sabbath morning? bright & hopeful I trust. I am delighted that you are taking a more cheerful view of life & hope the lessons contained in my former letter will often recur to your memory, and buoy up your drooping spirits. More than one half our ills in this life are imaginary, and I have often thought if you could see me around our merry camp-fire, in this snug wigwam, or even on the warpath, singing as I ride “Gay & happy” you would not be haunted by the forlorn half-starved soldier who seems to stand before you as you write. Lownes will go with you to Saltville, & I think you had better go next week. Your trunk goes to-day by the kindness of Capt Symington. He is very handsome, very nice, but his face is very red. I am glad you are taking some steps toward casting “that shadow from that brow” and if you would only doff that Sable garb and promise me never to wear it again I will thank you. I want to see you as you pass Gordonsville where I may make arrangements for you to stay one day, as I contemplate a visit to the Horse Arty, in that vicinity, and also desire to see you. Be sure to fix the flag. Have you obtained the fringe? – You have no idea what an improvement it will be. I see a house already furnished, with six rooms, opposite Custis Lee’s, lately occupied by Col Blair – advertised for rent at $6000. What do you think of it? Canvass the matter with Alick when you go out. I really think however that the Martin place near Scottsville is a place where we can plant ourselves in a more satisfactory way than any where else. When you come back from Alick’s, pay Mrs FitzHugh a visit and see how you like it. If however it does not suit, nor this establishment in Richmond, Get boarding as you propose at Dr Price’s or Lynchburg, & watch an opportunity to buy in Richmond. I dont think Dr P will allow you to pay board. It is the most delightful spot I know of anywhere. You had better go next week to Saltville because Sister Ellen may be kept there in expectation of your coming. I will send you $130 in a few days. Will you need more? Your letter of yesterday rec^d. I regret to hear of Posey’s illness, but trust she will recover. Jno R. has been to see me once for a little while. He has not been well, but is now better. The staff are all well. Dabney Ball is now here. Give much love to all at Cousin Edmund’s. Tell Lucy not to put it off. The girls visit to Dundee must have been ill-timed & [illegible]. I thought Von was too smart to be in

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