CONFEDERATE ALS, E L POWELL TO DEAR HUSBAND APRIL 8, 1862 LOUISA C.H. VIRGINIA

Description

"
I am likely to have considerable trouble about
my washing. The free negroes are
thriving now, consequently very independent.
I have hard work to get it done at six dollars
per month, indeed the woman who is doing it now
would only agree to take it for one week.
What is the meaning of all the
troops going through here?"
E.L. Powell to "My dear Husband."  Louisa C.H., April 8th, 1862. Autograph Letter Signed, single sheet measuring 9.5 inches by 7.25 inches, 2 pages, approximately 363 words recorded in ink in a somewhat difficult hand.
Condition:
Old folds, modest edge wear including a couple of nicks & short tears without loss, modest soiling, toning, & foxing, otherwise Very Good.
Please see photos.
Although uncertain, it's quite possible "dear husband" was actually  Charles Leven Powell. Unquestionably, the letter is related to the family of Catherine Simms Powell of Leesburg, Virginia. In full:
“My dear Husband,
I started the children to school yesterday but must say I am not much pleased with their prospects. Their teacher is very young, very pretty and totally inexperienced. She has lost her father and is very poor. Mr. Kent recommended her, I have no doubt she is a local object of charity but don’t think the children will learn much, though at the same time they are out of the way of learning evil and that is worth something. Have you determined not to [__?__] Mrs. Lang’s house for I understood Mr. K. To say there was a Mr. Hunton negotiating for it for himself and Major Noland.
I did not know B. N’s. family were out of Middleburg, [Virginia]. T. Stuart‘s name was also mentioned by Mr. Hunton. As far as I am concerned I would greatly prefer having Mr. Worthington as a neighbor to any of the above mentioned person except Rosalie L.
I am likely to have considerable trouble about my washing. The free Negroes are thriving now, consequently very independent. I have hard work to get it done at six dollars per month, indeed the woman who is doing it now would only agree to take it for one week. What is the meaning of all the troops going through here? Write soon and tell me all the news, rumors and all.
It was [__?__] here yesterday that Gen. A.S. Johnson (sic) [Albert Sidney Johnston] was killed in the reported fight in Tenn.
We are all pretty well tho I find I am obliged to be very careful as to what I eat. I went to church with Mrs. K Sunday, you have no idea how very strange the services appeared to me. The sermon was plain but quite good and the minister undoubtedly an earnest Christian. He stayed here last night and at family prayer he remembered you, me and all my children. I was touched and gratified at this evidence of Christian charity. May God indeed bless and preserve you mid all the evil that surrounds you is my constant prayer. Kate sends her love.
Ever your affectionate wife,
E.L. Powell”
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