1861 December 14 University of Virginia

My own dear Ma

We have received your
brief letter of the 1st inst by Fort
Munroe. It finds us on the eve
of our departure for Richmond.
Rooms have been engaged for us
there--we will therefore take poss-
ession of them until they can be
disposed of, and arrangements made
for us to leave the C. S. Do not expect
us immediately--We cannot say
how long a delay may be necessary--
It is desired that we should first
visit our exiled friends and relations
at Centrevile. I will write again to
herald our advent--I sent a letter about
ten days since by the Fort, but am
since informed that long ones are
never forwarded, so it has probably
shared the fate of several previous

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volumes that I unfortunately
entrusted to that means of
transmission. In obedience
to your request I avail myself of it
once more, notwithstanding that it
is the least certain route and involves
at least a fortnight's delay--I shall
write tonight by a way of my own
selection and more at length--
Ardently as I desire to see you & Pa
and all our dear friends & relations
I dread a winter in Baltimore-
I have heard much recently that
increases this feeling--Every one here
is violently opposed to our return, &
most uncomplimentary doubts are expressed of
the good faith of the the assurances
you mentioned. I shall not go by
the Fort unless I can receive certainty
of exemption from search of baggage
& person on the boat, likewise from
taking the oath--which they say is
required. We are both extremely well.
Your pets are situated just as you

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wished --together--in precisely similar positions--
They are looking better than I have ever seen them--
Give our love to everyone--I fear to extend
my letter--goodbye--ever your devoted
daughter H. C.

Hetty Cary, a famous Confederate belle, later married Confederate General John Pegram. She was known as one of the Cary Invincibles, a trio that included her sister Jennie and cousin Constance. All three were celebrated for personally sewing battle flags for Confederate generals Van Dorn, Johnston and Beauregard, as described in previous letters.

MSS 1174