Civil War Blog

Hartford

November 3, 1863

by

Hartford, Conn.

Dear Em,

Mr. Curtis is absent and I can’t find time for a long letter. I can’t tell either until his return just what I shall do about remaining here. If he should be able to engage such a teacher as he wishes for the year I cannot of course expect that he will prefer to make all arrangement with me to the Christmas vacation merely.

As sofar as I have settled the matter I will send a list of such things as I shall need. It is rarely worthwhile to send it now when I may need nothing more than I have. I will write at once after Mr. C returns. Love to all.

Virginia “Ginny” Hubbard to her sister, Emma Hubbard [Hubbard Family Papers]

October 15, 1863

by

Hartford, Ct

My dear Mother,

I received your letter last evening and have been trying to remember what I can have written to give you such impressions. I know that my letters have been very hurried, but I was not aware that they had been especially doleful.[…]

My engagement with Mr. Curtis is not broken off, though our marriage is likely to be postponed. I should of course have told you had it been so. I consented to marry Mr C. because I loved him, simply, and for no other reason; and I love him just as much now as I ever have: perhaps more. If the time ever comes that I have reason to love him less, or if I see that it is wise to undo what has been done, I shall consider myself released from whatever of  obligation now finds me, and I grant him the same privilege. That time, however, has certainly not come, and I can’t believe that it ever will. […]

Virginia “Ginny” Hubbard to her mother, Sarah Hodge Barrett [Hubbard Family Papers]