Aunt Letter

Mobile Nov' 26th 1860.

My dear Aunt-

It is with a very sad heart, that I sit down to write you and I hope that you will understand and appreciate the feeling which prompts me to tell you, one cause of my sorrow. When I first accepted Mr. S--[James Reed Spalding] though it was conditionally, I felt as if I wanted you to know it; but said to Ma; "I am not willing anybody but Auntie should know it; for it is so uncertain, and the others might speak of it." Ma answered, "your Aunt would be hurt if she thought you had not sufficient confidence in her family, to be willing to trust them, and besides, if you requeste them to keep your secret of course they will do so." I confess I consented very reluctantly; and Auntie, you know I begged that the whole affair might be kept secret; I said it was only on condition the members of your family, would promise not to mention it. Two nights ago, we received a letter from a young friend at College in Milledgeville, and in great astonishment he writes that "it is now reported all over town that Miss Augusta is married to the Editor of the World." He said there were Columbus people visiting there at the time. Auntie, do you not think I have a right to feel hurt, when I know that Mr. Benning has said, "Augusta is going to marry a Mr. Spalding a Black Republican, and the Editor of the World."? Even if he had believed him to be an abolitionist, was it kind, was it the part of a friend, still less of a relative to publish his opinion to the world? To put such a report in circulation at such a crisis as this; to tell that I was married or nearly so, to a Black Republican and that I was going to the North at this juncture! Oh Auntie! Do you wonder that I feel this very keenly, when I tried so hard to shield the whole matter from the public; when I begged that nothing would be even hinted about it? The report is traveling now in all directions! Mother wrote to you that no time had been fixed, that all was uncertain, as events have proved; and I do not see how Mr. Benning could speak so positively, as if the thing had already taken place. Think of having the whole matter in the mouths of gossips, at such a time as this. If he had merely mentioned the possibility of my marriage, and not branded his name as "Black Republican" I would not have been so grieved. To have my name so associated by the members of the Legislature in Milledgeville!

We have removed to town, but though it is far better for Pa and the boys, I would infinitely prefer our quiet little country home. Ma wrote to you a few days ago, I believe. How is Uncle's health now? I am so sorry he would not consult Dr Gescheidet last summer. Please kiss him for me, and give him my warmest best love. Tell him too, that I intended writing to him, but have been so troubled of late that I thought my letters would hardly afford him any pleasure. I hope my dear Aunt you will not be wounded by anything I have written. I felt that if I wrote at all, I must tell you the reason why I was so grieved. All are well. I am about as usual. Believe me, my dearest Aunt as always

Your Grateful and Affectionate,
Augusta Evans