1862 September 26 Roanoke

Roanoke--Friday Night
Sept 26th

I have written repeatedly to you, and so has
your Uncle William, Cousin Margaret, and little
Ellie, but as we have never been able to hear in
return, whether you, my own darling Mary, have
ever received our letters I will again send you
a few lines, and shall continue to avail myself
of every possible chance to write-need I tell
you my beloved child you are ever in my
thoughts and heart.  Heaven knows I would
willingly indulge any possible amount of pri
vation and danger, to get to you and yours
--Mary, We all love you with unspeakable
tenderness, and long to have you all with
us--I never can know any comfort til you
do come to us--and I must we may ere
long be permitted to see each other

[page 2]
I have been confined to my room, by a slight
attack of fever, and am still feeble.  Ellie has again
had Dyptherea and is still sick in bed  She begs I
will give you and dear little Nina a great deal
of love. She wrote to Nina some weeks again.
  You are the subject of our constant prayers
and sincerest affection, my darling niece
  Your Uncle William mentions having sent on
several letters to you from Margaret and him
self--also one from little Ellie--I hope they reached
you--your Uncle Wood is at R-d--all the family are
pretty well and write in love.  E says she must add
a line to dear little Nina. God bless and
keep you prays yr devoted Aunt Mat.

My dearest Nina
                             I wrote you some time ago, but have an
-other opportunity & must write a line--Dear Nina, no words
could tell how much I do long to see you, how I wish it
were possible you could be here with us.  Nina it would
give me so much pleasure if you would write me
a letter, how I long to hear again from you all.
Give my devoted love & a kiss to dear cousin Mary
Charly & dear little Willie.  For your self dear Nina
accept a large portion of love from
       Your ever loving cousin. Ellie

Another family separated by the war. Virginia relatives of Philadelphian Mary Virginia Ellet, later Cabell, are concerned for the well being of her and her younger siblings who were orphaned when their father, Union Colonel Charles Ellet, Jr., was mortally wounded on the Queen of the West in the naval assault on Memphis and their mother died a few days after her husband.

MSS 276