David Levy Yulee to his Wife
5 March 1863
Transcription by Jennifer Amy

Gainesville     March 5, 1863

My Dear Nan

The great event of the day is that I have succeeded in procuring a full supply of shoes for our people - but at the monstrous price of $7.25 a pair. But they must not suffer, let the cost be what it may. To provide for their comfort is the duty of ownership. I feel quite elated at getting them, for the monopoly of the leather and shops by the government made me almost despair of getting any.

The can of spirits of turpentine was put on the barge. Mr. Hahn says he saw it there. There was also a grindstone, and the iron gearing for working a grindstone by the foot. I hope they have all come to light. If not, let me know what Capt. Wilson & Day say about it. If necessary I will get a barrel of spirits turpentine but will be sorry to lose the can.

I send your batch of newspapers. Among them are some New York papers, (a number of each of the leading organs) from which you can form some judgment of the present state of the northern mind. I fear that they are not yet attuned to peace. In an envelope by itself I send you a Richmond paper containing a letter from the Rev. Mr. Palmer which will repay your perusal. It is a very interesting and high toned production. Tell Wick I will be obliged to him if he will read it with attention - but not at night, for the print is very fine and bad. I admire the letter, and approve his view but there is one point upon which I would be disposed to modify his conclusions. I will discuss it with you when we meet. In these times it is very important to all whose conduct in life is subjected to the rule of duty, that the conscience should have the aid of settled and matured conviction, upon the important principle connected with the questions he discusses.

In writing to Mamy did you tell her where we are living. If the letter is opened by the Yankees, it may stimulate their attention to us.

I have gotten some fresh garden seeds. Among them a good parcel of asparagus. I will bring them with me. Bring them with me - You will say, when? I think that next week I will be able to appoint a day for your dispatching Peter to take me to your arms. The delicate appeal which the orange bloom conveyed is not unheeded - nor was the perfume it exhaled without its due influence in exciting beautiful and delightful associations with the one whose sweet hand had placed it in the letter. It is a hard task that has kept me from those I love, but it is duty which obliges it, and you will approve.

Press the children close to your heart for me and continue, all of you prayer for the father  and husbands who blesses you all in his heart of hearts.

Adieu

D.L. Yulee

Mrs. D.L. Yulee