The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1864-03-01

"Oh you never expected anything
Miss Eta" said Laurie.
Yes l did Laurie, expected you'd
scold" answered Eta.
Come girls don't stand there quar-
cling. read the letter Laurie, if Eta
won't" said Mrs Hall.
al can't read il as we'll as she can,"
said Laurie, but here it is,
"PooR FELLOW II am sorry for you
(always supposing that you are sick J
and as aprooi Of my devotion to sick sol
diers will send you this soul healing
misve, and will see that il is safely fast.
ened to more substantial comfort.
don't think can write you much Of
letter for unfortunately, am not
"posted" in political matters and can
never bring in sugar and honey" phra
ses such as " our noble defenders" "our
blood stained heroes" "our patriotic sol
diers who stand between Northern homes
and Southern traitors" / know that
you are deserving Of every praise, but
alas my tongue Tor ren) is unable to
attempt such themes. "W'e' are com
pany of enthusiastic young ladies and
should be happy to welcome you any
day Except washing day | must close
for the many dishes upon the table stare
at me with reproachful faces to think
that l have deserted them so long-you
may answer this If you see fit, if not
burn it. Accept my best wishes!
Yours Respectfully.
Eta NJ. WILD.
Now the other" said Mrs Dresser.
No no !" answered the maiden la
dy springing from her seat, you shan't
read it, give it to me Laurie" and she
snatched it from Laurie's hand.
did you write it?" enquired Mrs.
Hall.
Yes did, and | wont have it read,
so lhere." and the maiden lady leaned
back in her chair, closed her mouth and
looked fercely a, the wall "well, well,
we don't want to hear il, I'm sure" said
Mrs. Hinckley, ".what time is it l won
der.
Five O'clock" answered Annie
Marsh, time to be going home ISM
it?"
Yes indeed" exclaimed twenty voc-
es, and after prolonged farewell they
separated.
Two months afterward as hospital
steward. stood carelessly turning over a
box of goods his eve suddenly lighted
upon neatly folded quil'. "Ah" said
he lust what poor Fay was calling fol
this morning." and be pulled it out and
slowly unfolded it. !" Glory Hallelujah
what beauty. aal heavens look at the
letters. well this beats me entirely -
And being " beaten" he TOOK the quill
TO the room OF the hospital clerk . say
Jeff isn't this rich, probably there is q
pr, posal in some of these letters"
/" No. you can set your heart TO res
in regard to that matter, doubtless there
is request in them all
"Don't you think we had better oper
them"
perhaps SO, how are t ey dire oted
lets see," and the clerk took them up.
mo hold on jeff that is to me don
you see, "To brave defender OF BIZ
country" that means me completely
and tho steward laughed, a cheer,
boyish laugh, as he cut open the enyel
ope, il was Laurie's letter, and as h
laid it down he remarked with a sigh
doubtful very doubtful. my friend
heaven is long way Off"
What is it" asked jeff.
Read i. for yourself, and III jus
look at these Others" Zone of thes
is very wiid letter" he continued alte
reading them, and one very tame"
"Well they must be answered imme
diately." responded the more sedat
clerk. (which one will you take Char
ley?"
Neither. III distribute them anon
, the boys" answered Charley
, Give me one Of them won't youe"
"Yes. take your pick" The cler
selected the one with the poorest han
writing. because" said he. the otl
er boys may not like 10 take it," Char
table fellow
The letters were soon disposed OF au
the quilt bequeathed to Mr.. Fay as
sacred legacy.
you must take il to heaven with ye
Fay" laughed the steward.
q Ii will be heavy load. il have
i carry my sins too" groaned Fay. :" b
!. | will have faith"
Q The lad es were duly asionished wi
six or eight letters two or three weeks a
II ter this - and so we'll pleas.
were they that many Of them are ST
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