April 27th /65
HamptonMy dear Mrs M
I cannot think how to excuse my rudeness in not answering your kind letter long ago. Many thanks for the seeds you sent me perhaps it is just as well for me that you did not get the seeds we talked of as now those I planted have come up there are quite enough in the garden besides several plants I got from Chaplain Roe[.]
We have been very quiet since you left have made several improvements in the Garden but no changes otherwise.
I have just finished a very pretty little what not with three shelves to fit in the corner of the room it is ornamented with cone work in front[.]
Mrs. Blake is very busy making one of the same kinds for her room I think hers is the best[.]
I have seen the doctor (your husband I mean) three or four times since you left he looks quite well but talks of being lonely[.]
I hope you found your little one all right when you got home Mrs M is in somewhat of a panic to-day as she has just heard of four cases of the Small Pox in that orphan asylum we took ship [?] opposite one day I hope it will not spread amongst the children it is such a terrible scourge to them[.]
I have not heard from my brother since altho' he is in New York harbour and has been for nearly a fortnight last so the shipping intelligence informs as I am beginning to be anxious about him least he may be sick[.]
Poor old Mrs Alexander died last Sunday and was buried with military honors on Monday it was very nice, poor old woman, it was her last wish to be buried with the soldiers whom she loved so well covered by the flag of the Union[.]
I hope you have had a favourable account of all your brothers especially that one in Shermans army.
The only excitement here is when the band learns a new tune they have improved greatly of late I think they play better than the band at the Fort to which I went the other day[.]
Mrs. Blake sends her love and thanks for the patterns you sent her[.]
I must now conclude as I have no more [room?]
Your friend Eliza Watkins
P. S.
Mr. Tilden has been very ill with a sort of dyphtheria but is now much better[.]