1862 November 24 Richmond, Va.

Richmond Nov 24th 1862

My dear Nancy
    As Mrs Magill leaves here to morrow,
I cannot let the opportunity escape to write you a letter,
and to say that this is the third which will have been
written to you since my return to this place, I have
recd two from you, which gave me reason to hope
that you were all getting along something better
than you anticipated when I let you; I most
earnestly hope this state of things may continue,
and that you may get through the winter in compar=
=ative quiet, I was somewhat concerned to hear that
Sophie (God bless her) was contemplating a visit to
Md; now she might get to Md, very well but I have
doubts whether she could return, and I would rather
she should remain at home in the plainest dress, then
be compelled to remain in Md against her consent,
you must think well on this subject.
I have priced the calicoes you spoke of in yr letter,
they cannot be had here for less than $1.75 and $2.00 pr. yd.
are you willing to give such prices?  I will try and
get you some valley money form Farmville as soon
as possible, I saw Mr Carson the prest. of the Bank the
other day and he told me that the valley money was
pretty much paid out, but if cousin Ann Magill
succeeds in getting some from them to day, I shall
hope to get some for you, which I shall send by the
first safe opportunity,  Have you heard anything
of my clothes, I wish them greatly, and will want
them more very soon, it is next to impossible to get
things here except at fabulous prices; if you get them
send them by none but the safest hands, I should
like very much a couple of under shirts.
Always write me fully about every thing, because
I can then know better how to advise; I heard the
other day that charlie was quite well, Tom I suppose

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you have seen; and he amused you I have no doubt
with an account of his imprisonment in Washington,
how I wish this horrid war was at an end, and that
we could once more live quietly in our homes, and
renew in the autumn of our lives, the pleasures we
enjoyed in our spring; well we must bear with the
present, and if you will take my advise and preserve
a prudent course you will I hope get along better
than you expected when I last saw you.
                  Every thing here looks favourably;
give my love to all at home, and believe me as
                                      ever yours
                                    Th. E. Buchanan
P.S. Tell Minnie, Mr martin presents his compliments,
and desires to say that the recollection of the Balmoral
is very fresh in his memory.

Thomas Ely Buchanan, 1810-1889, to his wife Nancy Dandridge Buchanan

MSS 4560