Letter written one week after attack on Ft. Sumter

Item Details

April 19, 1861

Very good

Letter written one week after attack on Ft. Sumpter discussing preparation.  Transcribed:

Abramson Depot, N,H. April 19, 1861

Dear Brother

Yours of the 17th reached me last evening.  I thank you for the unusual amount of information it brought.

My health is very much better so that I begin to resume my long walks.  My limbs don't stand so firm as they used to, they tremble under me.  Old age is creeping on but in addition to old age I have had a hard spring.  Have almost had a xxx fever,with neuralgia pain in my head for about 3 months.  Nothing remains of it now but a slight ticking and reduced strength.

The animated state of your preparations are among us, just as they are among you.  It seems as if men were perfectly ipatient to get in the army.  I am struck with wonder and amazement, as I contemplate the state of the country.  It seems as if an overriding providence had prepared the way for this mighty struggle.  Money is almost impossible, except for war purposes; and for this purpose; and for this purpose, the country never was so well prepared as at the present.  Every department of manufacture and trade are standing still and multitudes almost compelled to enlist, for a living but the astonishing enlist, for a living but the astonishing enthusiasm is the most wonderous of all.  I enquire What is God about to do?  This state of things cannot continue long without turning upsome great event at the recital of which our ears will tingle.

I am very glad for Branch's prospects.  I thought much of him and as I have made enquiry for a place for him.  The thought has struck me, this is far as xxxible from what I desire for him.  Our xxxx affairs look dark.  But I still hope by holding on a few years, Branch may be benefitted.  But my own state of health for past months has made me feel discouraged about ever going to Bangor again.

We are expecting Catherine Briggs to visit us soon.  We have had no promise from her directly but it has come from our marcham corresondents.  I think of visiting you about the first of July, when my daughter Annie graduates at NNorton.

Your affectionately, Homer Barrow