Item description: Letter, dated 31 August 1863, from Mrs. Catherine “Carrie” Roulhac to a friend named Jack.  She discusses his recent visit and the departure of fifty soldiers from Hillsboro to Charleston.

Item citation: From Folder 85 of the Ruffin-Roulhac-Hamilton Family #643, Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item transcription:

Mrs Joseph Roulhac

Hillsboro, NC

Hillsboro, NC

August 31, 1863

My much esteemed,

I am really sorry there should have been a misunderstanding about the promis of writing for really the  impres-sion was with me that you & Mr.  Boyden were to write first.  Today is the first day of the week & also my birthday.  I will commence [?] this day & be more punctual.

I am affeared I shall fail to interest you as I guess you are better posted about the affairs of Hillsboro than I am, all the news I can give you a bout the ladies [?] so sad I dislik to write it.  I suppose you have heard ere this that fifty of them left for Charleston.  Mr. B. Moore Capt Cathcart first Lieut. & P. Emanual Sgt. all of our pleasure is ended except Fannie’s as C. Emanuel did not go, she still has a beau.  If you & Mr. Boyden were not so much taken up with the Factory girls we would insist upon you repeating your visits quite often, but if they were repeated ever so often, I would see no more of you then I do now.  No really Jack I do not think I have don you justice For you were very kind in coming to see us when you were here & since you left We have missed you very much & wish to see you every day.

I was around to see your Mother this afternoon – she is quite well & Miss Lilly improving.  Jack I hope you will not show this letter but burn it as soon as read. I would write you more if I had time or had any news.  I will send your cravat very soon.  I must close give my love to Johny Myrick & all the girls join me in love to your self & friend Mr. Boyden Excuse all mistakes and write soon

to your friend

Carrie