Carrie Spafford had been the fiancée of Col. Elmer Ellsworth. Col. Elmer Ellsworth was a lawyer and soldier and friend of Abraham Lincoln who was one of the first casualties of the Civil War. He was shot and killed on May 24, 1861 while removing a large Confederate flag from a tavern in Alexandria, Virginia.
Transcript:
Rockford. Jan. 20th 62
My dear Mr. & Mrs. Ellsworth,
Mrs. S’s kind letter was received, and I assure you was most welcome. What it came I was full of business and have been ever since. Mother has been getting worse for this past six weeks until within a few days- she seems now to be doing as well as could be expected, and we are hoping for the best. father is much better tho not by any means well. Baby is now quite well. I have been almost sick with a cold for the past week- but am getting better.
I am glad Mr. Lucith [?] was pleased with my father. I thought he would be- at least I hoped so. I am very glad you have succeeded in getting Elmers horse, is not a fine horse? What do you intend doing with it? Have you disposed of any of Elmers effects yet? if so tell me what?
The Resolutions sent from New York must be elegant I would like so much to see them. I am anxious to know where Mr. Ellsworth is to be stationed. I hope not far away.
I was quite astonished to hear of your Ministers engagement, and to so young a girl- but I hope she will do well- remember me to them both and and to all my other friends.
Miss Libbie Sears I wish would write to me. Where are the Seymours? We have been having excellent sleighing for the past four or five weeks- the snow is now about fifteen inches deep and the weather very mild.
By way of proving to you my devotion to Elmers memory I will tell you of something that has lately happened- but remember I dont tell of it boasting by. More than three years ago I recd a gentleman here from Chicago- the son of one of the wealthiest men in the City- during the time I have seen him quite often he was a friend of Elmers he came to Rockford not long since- and offered me heart, hand and fortune but I decidedly refused all. Although I think a great deal of him as a friend, I could never think of his following the place I so long kept for another. It does not seem possible that I can ever love another consequently I do not think it would be right for me to marry. And I never intended to until forced to for want of a home.
Mr. Ellsworth, are you not coming West this winter? I am so very anxious to see you. It seems a long long time since I saw you.
I have written a long letter out of nothing now I think I had better close-
Accept a great deal of love from your aff- Carrie
Citation: Carrie Spafford, autograph letter signed to Mr. and Mrs. Ellsworth. Rockford, Ill; 20 January 1862. AMs 811/2.7