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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

Dec 15th, 1860

Dear Friend,

I hope you have not become impatient, as I have been somewhat remiss in not answering your very welcome epistle[.]

I was very glad to receive a letter from you so replete, with good sentiments, & also exemplary.

I suppose you hail the new world this morning, as well as myself. I was rather surprised, when I saw the earth robed in white. I am afraid it will blast my hopes, for I anticipated a fine time on Christmas, if I got out of this prison. I expect to leave here next Saturday or whip some of the Profs. as you know I am a great fighting character speaking ironically. [Written in the margin on this page:] I’ll send you a ticket to the Anniversary of our Society if I can get one.

I have not been very well for the last week or two. I had a very bad cold, but I think so much about Christmas, I believe it has nearly left me.

I think leap year must be doing its duty, & its whole duty, from the number of weddings you have attended, or rather the number of marriages that have taken place, in your immediate vicinity. I was rather surprised when you told me of J. Rubush’s marriage. I hope they will have a happy sail on the Sea of life. Miss R. P. is not married yet. I think the report must have been without foundation. I would be a great looking somebody to get married[,] wouldn’t I? Any one that is as diffident as I am, should never think of such a thing.

I ask pardon for inviting you to the fair & not telling you when it was to be. It was certainly & oversight in me, but I hope you will grant my request.

Miss R P. was not there very unfortunately, but there were some others present, who pleased me very much, but I was so bashful, I did not ignore them [or?] speak to them[.]

I have never been a visiting [sic] but once, since I returned to college, & then I thought every body was looking at me.

I intended going a visiting to night, but the snow, has broken my arrangements[.]

How is cousin S. P. getting along at C. C. School.[?] I suppose you have a singing -school there, this winter. I used to have some fine times at that beloved spot, but I declare I don’t have them here. But one year longer then I’ll be through, after this I expect to go South & whip S. C. back into the Union[.]

I am opposed to Disunion in toto. I have been wishing all day for a good sleigh. I saw one or two pass by my window. I thank you for even wishing me success, if I should, by, the grace of God, enter upon the mission I spoke to you of, which I wished to be kept secret, for special reason.

We have a very quiet band of students this year, in drinking, which was as common last year, as it well could be.

Well you must excuse me for this short and badly written letter, & beg to be excused for tardiness in writing.

[Written in the margin:] I’m glad to hear that Nicholas is improving so fast. I remain your Friend, J. P. L.