Hickory Grove Jan 12th / 64 (seal) Dear Mr Bushnell:--

Your welcome letter came safely[.] I would have replied without delay, but had no opportunity; the weather has been so extremely cold. I hope tomorrow will be better, as Carrie wants to go to Calhoun, & I wish to send this. I wrote you a very hasty letter the last time– was intercepted by the arrival of two young ladies who came & spent several days with us. I wish you could have heard them sing. we were much amused & entertained– had not heard as many patriotic songs for a long time. They had heard nothing late from our dear Friends. But had seen & administered early & late, to the wants of others. They are devoted & faithful friends to the government. would that all were as true!– I think– Peace or safety would soon smile upon us.

I can see from your letters that your almost evry thought is of home; & that you sigh to be once more surrounded by home comforts with its peace & quiet.

Mr Gabe Zutt came early last Sunday morning & spent the day, he was very pleasant & talkative & seemed to enjoy himself as much as I ever saw him. said it had been a long time since he was here before- the first & second days of last Apr. Mr Bushnell I remembered the time with moist eyes. you were here then too, & we all (of one mind) enjoyed ourselves together. How sincerely I wished you could (unobserved by the enemy), have entered & been with us. This long separation from loved ones– when will a change come! But evry day, week, & month that seem to glide so slowly away– does in reality bring their return nearer. I showed Mr Z[utt] Dr Mc___ Portrait[.] he is a gentleman of fine taste & for a long time looked & admired the picture, & the handsome frame. In my haste before, I entirely forgot to say That you could not have sent me a more lovely or acceptable Christmas gift[.] Please accept many thanks– and– I shall never look at this gift– without thinking of the dear giver. I was reminded too of the last Christmas when that beautiful chain was placed around my neck by tender, loving hands. when I wear it, I think of the departed One, to whom it once belonged.

I have regretted many times that I did not think in time to have my likness taken for you but I never thought of it, but that one evening & then the artist was very busy, it was late, & we were hurried off. I fully expected to go over again, but he immediately left. I hope another may come soon– very few liked this one, he was cross, & did not take a particle of pains. If their was an artist in reach, I want go this very evening, have my picture taken & send, if it would be any comfort, or satisfaction to you whatever.

When I was at Mr Ragans last summer I saw a Mr Bevis from Leesville[.] He was acquainted with & made many enquiries about my absent Friends[.] He died a short time since[.] Mr Zutt ( Sunday) expressed much sorrow to hear of his death. I expect you knew him well[.]

Mr. Ephraim Goff landed in Henry last week. he has not been to see us yet. The gentleman of whom I spoke in my letter before the last, was Mr. G. U. Minor. You must tell me in your next whither or not you thought it was Mr M___ & do not forget what I told you– for I have not changed my mind concerning him in the least[.]

I am sorry you are so frequently troubled with the head-ache[.] Mollie was complaining very much the other day, but is now well. it alarms me when one of the children complains much for there is a good deal of sickness & what would we do without our Father at home. Tongue can not express how much we miss & want to see him; & Oh what is his anxiety about us! How wretched I should feel had I not committed him to the tender care of Heaven.

I give the little birds snow you do not know how much delighted they are with it. They are busy eating all day, & when night comes Ginnie gives us a sweet evening song. Then they shut their bright little eyes tuck their heads under their wings & go to sleep– free from care– not troubles. Tommy & Frank are much attached to Kos. But I believe he loves me best- I always feed him. When you hear from Fayette again Do not forget to mention him to me. I hope to hear from you tomorrow. Please excuse this poor letter. Cora & Mollie are pestering me about their dolls & it is getting dark. Good Bye for this time.

from your affectionate Eugenia

[ .] I have a beautiful piece of poetry which I should love for you to read but as I cannot send Ill place it in my Portfolio with a wish.

[ .] I agree with you in thinking that if you were to send me the Republican that I would very likely not get it half the time. & it might be that much money lost.

[ .] I write to Aunt Sue by this mail & tell her about my Christmas gift & the giver too. I know she will be more anxious now than ever to come to see us & the gift.

[ .] All join in much Love. Wish all of us were in some warmer climate. The weather is so cold here. I often think of your favorite state. Do not forget to write.