Hickory Grove 29th Dec / 63 Dear Mr. Bushnell: --

I attempt this evening to reply to your interesting & affectionate letter of 14th Dec which I received the evening my last was put in the office – It was a welcome letter – I rejoiced so much to hear from you. Wish I had something new & interesting to write you from this dark country – But we have been at home & have heard no news of interest within the last few days. This is Christmas week but persons do not seem to be enjoying it much – last Sunday evening I believe it snowed faster & prettier than I ever saw it – as I sat by the window I wished so much for you to be here – to look at the large flakes that fell so silently, with me – for somehow I felt sad & would like so much to have talked to you

Christmas day we had no company – I frequently managed to be along, to think of the last Christmas that rainy day when you were here, & we read all day – Do you remember it?

Carrie & I did not go to Deep Water – when we were ready the Kansas Raid prevented; our escort feared to venture on with his horses – since then we have had cold weather & other hindrances. Perhaps we can go some time aunt Sue writes – “I will try to get to see you when the weather gets warm” – but the promise is in the future, many things may happen before then Oh! that Peace might dawn & friends return! Aunt S__ speaks of the death of an old family servant, ( Aunt Kate,) who was almost or quite a hundred. She has been anxious for some time to go to Kansas – That Land of freedom & equality. –

I was glad you mentioned Fayette – had just been wishing to hear – sincerely hope he will find his Dear E's__ heart containing goodly chambers of gold & purple, with all the rare & beautiful dreams & faiths which went to make up his ideal of womanhood. In a word that he may be happy through all coming time. I wish he would think to send us some of the wedding cake to dream on.

We have not seen your Brother man since his return to Henry. I should like to see them all.

Mr. John Goff came over a few days ago to assist Tommy about some work – staid his days & nights one night he dreamed he had been absent from home – was returning – met the stage containing yourself & a lady some one told him that you were just married -- & on your way he did not know where. But you have never seen the Lady – it was “all a dream” – had I not known this, I should not have been as much amused as I was when he told me.

You must preserve the letter you received from Ginnie L__ The Rail Road & the Raid Oh me: I did indeed laugh – would have thought that many letters could have passed after the road was repaired & the “Confeds” driven from the state. Had you simply mentioned you had received a letter, I should have “guessed” it was amusing – very. Have often thought that if she her single sister & married one too, had spent the time in improving their vacant minds that they do in attending to other peoples affairs that it would profit them much more.

Mr Bushnell I liked your last letter so much—written just as if you were speaking & so pretty. I had hoped that your blacks were giving you no trouble, were no expense at least. If they are trouble in St Louis, what would they be here: – I often wish that ours were as far away. We have just heard of the death – of Mr John Edmondson – who died this morning. he was a friend of Mr G__ Zutts & his illness presented Mr Z__ from coming over this week.

Kos has been very jealous since Mr Buckley spoke of yours & judge Ballow’s pet cat. Do not Mr Bushnell let any cat or dog that you may see, cause you to forget your faithful Kos or he will urge me to write you to come back

“Does Johnny sing much”? No Mr Bushnell I am sorry to say that Johnny is a very naughty bird – will seldom sing – though I entreat, coax & threaten to send word to you, all to no purpose. Now what shall I do with this saucy little bird? I expect you will have to come & whip him. I am often amused & wonder if ever to little birdies were as much loved & written about.

George Combs & Ginnie Soyster were married last week, I make no comment.

The pieces in the last numbers of the Lady’s Book are very pretty – I like to read them. I hope B R will learn to be more prudent, both with her pen or tongue, while gone. The party to which she professed to belong has no confidence in her whatever – think she was not patriotic but wanted to be noticed – & with – her pen came very near bringing some innocent persons into trouble

Her mother has too almost talked herself out of friends so sais Mrs C__ of Clinton. – But the shades of evening are closing round me & I must say goodbye

I write to Dr ___ by this mail – Hope he will receive it & reply at an early day.

Your sincere & affectionate Eugenia

[ ] The family send much Love!