1861 Dec[ember] 6 Manassas

I hope my good friend Miss Fanny
you will excuse the liberty I take
in writing you this letter. It is dic-
tated by the cherished memory of
the kind and generous hospitalities
of Ossian Hall and the really hap-
py hours I have spent in your
society on the banks of the Accotink.
Since then alas! the flowers have
faded. the forests have lost their bright
foliage. the meadows their emerald
coat of beauty and sadder yet the
old hearthstone, its fairest ornaments.
Last week I availed myself of an
opportunity of going in the direction
of your dear old place as far as
Capt. Boyd Smith's but could get
no farther. He informed me, to my
great regret, that Mr. Dickens had
been again taken by the Yankees.

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It appears that a prowling Dutch
soldier had been killed by some good
man and they chose to suspect your
Father. I do not like to be the bearer
of ill tidings, but knowing your
anxiety I thought it best to inform
you. I see your Brother occasionally.
He is very well and from him I got
your present address. If this should
reach you, please drop me a line
to inform me how you are spending
your hours of exile. Remember the
main interest felt in you by the
"Old Colonel," as you are pleased, face
tiously to call me, and believe that
you can always command me if I
can serve you in any way. With kind
regards to Miss Harriet

Yours most Sincerely
J. B. Kershaw

Miss Fanny dickens
Shular's Station
Va

General Joseph Brevard Kershaw, 1822-1894

[See also the letter today from Ossian Hall by Fanny's mother.]
MSS 5533-d