1. When there is no punctuation in the document, it is added in brackets if needed for clarity.

2. The notation [sic] is used to indicate a misspelled word if needed for clarity.

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4. The capitalization style in the original document is copied.

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-Mary D. Edwards Summer 2000

1856-1861 16 items Letters of John P. Lightner to Amanda C. Armentrout Brand #11332

Washington College

April 7th 1860

Dear Friend,

I feel almost ashamed to sit down and write to you since so long a time has elapsed since I received any intelligence from you. But I suppose you will be so merciful & kind as to excuse me, if you once know how I am & have been pressed with college duties.

But however long the time may be, still, I have fond recollections of the past, & shall never forget you, for a little manuscript, I have in my possession this very moment, & shall keep it ‘til time & usage shall wear it away. How thankful I should be to my maker for putting it into your heart thus to do? For had that not have happen [sic], my course of life would have been far different, from what it is, & I do not now walk in the path of rectitude, or act consistently with divine commands. I expected to see you at Uncle John’s funeral, but was disappointed. Miss Amanda, I’ve lost two of my best friends on earth, That place was a home to me, but no longer shall I meet Aunt & U, there.

But their lot is ours also, hence we should begin early to make preparation for an eternity beyond the grave.

Well, I have no news worth relation or that would interest you in the least, but I suppose I can gather something to fill out this uninteresting epistle. I have been getting along tolerably well, with my various studies; but I had to study so hard, I got considerably discouraged. I am anxiously awaiting the 4th July to roll around so that I can leave, this place of servitude, & recruit. I call it a place of servitude because I do realy [sic] believe the Pro’s think we can stand under any burden however weighty.

Well I have set down again to finish this letter to you. I went to the country last night for a little recreation.

But I took a very short stay, started about dark & returned this morning at 8 o’clock. But I did not got to see Miss P, as you perhaps will think. I’m so bashful I have not spoken to one lady in town, even at my boarding house, where there is not quite a dozen. Books & ladies do not help one - another much, people say, so I think I will try one at a time, and expect to come off "minus" on both pursuits, if you would term it such.

[Written in the margin:] I feel a delicacy in asking you for your likeness, as ladies generally have a great delicacy in giving such things. I would like to have one - I leave it to your own option of course, & shall not be offended in the least if my request is not granted[.] Your true Friend.

I’ve been wearing specks, for a while, I look considerably dignified, for a little chap.

But I will not have to study so hard in a few weeks, as I heard they were going to suspend duties on Saturdays, in a week or two longer.

The time has appeared mighty short, which is a little consolation.

And I get along so pleasantly here with my fellow students. They are so sociable & kind to one another, that it renders my college life amazingly happy. There are some terrible boys here, nevertheless, it does not diminish nor should not, that affection or esteem that should exist between fellow students. Do you know what is good for the Spring fever[?] I’ve a terrible attack of it.

[Written in the margin:] My likeness is on the way if you have not received it. I would have gotten it taken sooner since the suspension, but my eyes were so sore, I thought, maybe, you might think I have been drinking[.] ha! ha! It is something I never have done although the temptation is very strong; & difficult to resist. I’m alone today as my roommate is gone home, & I must close. My best respects to all friends, if you deem it proper to give them. Excuse all mistakes. I remain your true friend. J.P.L.