1861 Nov[ember] 15 University of Va

Dearest Willie [Wilson Miles Cary]

If you and Johnnie fail
to come on Sunday I will never
forgive you, Major Barbour and
Mr Banks--the vials of my wrath
shall be poured out upon the
whole party, and I won't be
answerable for the consequences--
I am almost certain Nannie
will be at Orange to meet you,
though fear she will not accompany
you to the U. V.

This day of fasting and prayer
will also be one of Thanksgiving
to me for the dreadful weather
that must have prevented the
anticipated battle.

[page 2]
I have just learned that Gilham's
Regt is positively ordered to
Manassas, and rejoice accordingly.
Think from the shouting at the
bookstore as the cars passed last
night that they must have been
on board.
The chief object of my letter is
to ask you to remind the oblivious
Banks that Nannie Bradford will
to be join us in Richmond, so
our party will consist of four--
He said he was going down on
Sunday & would conclude the
arrangement. I sincerely trust
you will winter there also.
Why dont you accept the position
of Quartermaster? Some one who
had held a similar office told
me the other day that it was
nothing like so difficult or laborious

[page 3]
as the one you now hold. It would
be so pleasant for us all, besides
securing to you a salary (so B. told me)
of $130 a month--And no one knows
what may be the result of this
dreadful war, nor what will be
our necessities, so we ought to provide
for the future as far as possible--
Although of course it is sweet to
depend upon you, yet I cannot
bear the thought of appropriating
all your hard earned money,
especially since the prospect of
the "rich old hunks" is very slender,
so hope our employment will be remunerative.
Tell Johnnie again to be very
cautious in confiding his plans.
we know how everybody talks
in this part of the world--however,
there are few more prudent than he
I received on the day he left, a
letter from Genl Johnston--

[page 4]
It is the sweetest and kindest
thing you ever saw. Begins "My
dear Miss Cary," abd signs himself
"respectfully & truly your friend."
So beautifully written too---
You can tell the Maryland boys
that he says - While he appreciates
the sacrifice made by all of our
countrymen in repelling an unholy
invasion, his sympathies are
particularly excited for those
who add to the noble name of
patriots the sacred one of exiles.
!! Isn't that intense?
He says too--"It would be idle
for me to attempt to express to you
the conflicting emotions which yr
flag will never cease to call
up in my breast--but as all
those most dear to me have
ever found a home on Maryland
soil & in Maryland hearts, I
know that I speak the voice
of a whole people when I say
our homes shall be the exiles
until their own are repaired."
Tell my grandson about it--
Everyone here thinks it a most
complimentary & beautiful notice

[cross hatched on page 4]
Of course there is something about Maryland
women conquering homes in Southern hearts.
Ran has just told me it is time for my
letter to go--so good bye as usual in
great haste your devoted
H[etty] C[ary]

MSS 1174