1862 October 2 University of Virginia

                            U/Va Oct 2d, 62

Dear General [John Hartwell Cocke]

Your grandson arrived safe yesterday and went
to work today--Few students have yet entered--but the prospect
is hopeful--especially if the impending battle should for us
prove a victory--God grant this--for the rights' sake.
  My wife desires her acknowledgements for the grapes
and fruit--she will send Mrs Hoge her shares (with
your remembrances) this morning-Dr Hoge is at Synod
  We sympathize with you deeply, in the death of your
Christian servant--There are few better men of any color
than was "Uncle Ned"-is faith was practical in producing
"works" of an honest and upright life--
   Mrs McGuffey's health continues to improve tho' she
is just now suffering from a cold--she has made to "calls" on
the Lowes--at Dr Howards and to see Sue Maupin who is sick

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Her next will probably be to see Mrs Cabell now returned
from Danville  We have no news- -
   My wife bids me say that she is trying to raise a
very beautiful heifer calf (of the cow you presented her) flecld
"flecked" in about equal parts mahogeny and white
The spots shew its Ayshire blood of which it is intitled
to one fourth--
   The weather is exceedingly dry--and every
thing parched--in consequence--our pastures are dried
up and our tomatoes wilted and we shall have no field
peas or beans worth speaking of--but the corn tho short
looks pretty well--
   We regret to hear of the indisposition of Dr Brent--but
hope and pray that he may soon be well--Our kindest regards
to him and Mrs Brent--and to Dr Cock and family--Mrs McG
desires her special respects to yourself.  every yours--WHMcGuffey

William Holmes McGuffey, 1800-1873, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Virginia.  Although a native of Pennsylvania and long time resident of Ohio, McGuffey sided with Virginia where he had lived since 1845.

MSS 640