15 January 1865: “Nothing could induce me to pass my life in the midst of such strife”

Item Description: A letter from Pauline Semmes to her husband, S. S. Semmes describing some life in Mobile, Alabama.

 

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Item Citation: From Folder 1, in the S. S. Semmes Letter, #2089-z, Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item Transcription:

Mobile, Ala.
Jan. 15 1865

My own darling husband,

Major ? goes to the Army, or rather army-wards, this afternoon and I, ever intent upon gratifying you, am determine to scratch off a few hasty lines for him to take. I have just been to church when we sat still throughout one of the good Bishop long sermons so you can imagine how ill fitted for the task of writing I feel. I have returned from the country this morning not by any means loaded down with game. The weather was far from propitious during his stay at the B–. much of the time it rained in torrents. He like everybody else comes back justifiely disgusted with the scandal which has been poured into his ears wither the past for five or so days. I wish to tell I think that must be a God Jerusalem neighborhood from all the grim stories I hear. Nothing could induce me to pass my life in the midst of such strife and foils. Ms. Bates and Capt. Han and still punish good for scandal mongers by their conduct. Tom Gardner informed me yesterday that he had just heard a “beautiful piece of scandal” Mr. Todd has discovered the intrigue between his wife and Mr. Cudland and that me & the young ladies (Dupas) is also unexpected, and that a grand ? art is expected. Mrs. Bajhard and MR. Hallen are on everybody’s lips. She too I supposed will soon fall a victim to the dispositions of the numerous buy ladies of this place. They walk together  every afternoon, sit together in church etc. etc. We went to the L— yesterday where we met more ladies and gentlemen of our acquaintance those(?) ever before. MR McDannold joined me and escorted me home, much to my relief for old Col. Deas was there and I was in mortal terror lest he should join me, knowing how much you dislike him and how little confidence it ? in him by men generally. Mr. McDonnald called me over a few evenings ago, and of course as he asked but for me, not having the rest of the family, I dare not mention his name, for fear of having taken up. He is very gentlemanly and perfectly horrified at the good manners and customs of this fair city. My Darling do write as often as possible you cannot conceive how my heart yearns for tidings. Your my loving husband. All while with me in earnest love and thousands of kisses.

Your devoted wife,

Pauline

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