Pond Island L.S.
May 6, 1861

Dear Brother & Sister,

Thinking that perhaps you would like to hear from us by letter I now take a short leisure to write you and I am sure it would seem the next best thing if I cannot have a visit from you to have a good long letter which suggestion I suppose will make you a little nervous, you are always so busy, but I shall expect one nevertheless.

You will perceive by date we are yet on Pond Island but we do not know how soon we may be removed. Mean time my husband says he shall go west in August for certain, and we expect to move west next fall if nothing happens to prevent it. It seems a great undertaking but we think it best for the boys.

And now a few words about politics or rather no politics - is not our country in a dreadful state. Surely Abraham is Father and I hope we are children of his but are we not like Israelites rather it is every man's hand against the other. There is a company of volunteers here in Phippsburg ready for duty. Boys have not volunteered nor shall any of them if I can help it. They are busy now. Melville is building hedges and the rest of them go a fishing in their vessel.

Everything with regard to our nation is in such a state of uncertainty that it is impossible to foresee what will be next but one of two things seems certain - that is if this warfare of the States is not settled on peaceful terms there will be a war as I dare not think of. But I trust in the Sovereign of Him who said to the raging elements peace be still may now be heard controlling the yet fiercer elements of the passions of man.

I received a letter from Caroline this week she writes they are all well but she is much troubled about the war - she says several of their neighbor's boys have enlisted & Warren wants to. Catherine is at Bath yet to school but I expect her home soon. Nancy & her family are well -- I want you to come up and see us this summer and make us a good visit. Write on receipt of this & let us know of your welfare.

I believe Susan McKown has promised us a visit remind her we shall expect her to come. We should like very much from all your children my love & regards to them all. Milton received a letter from Little Master Nathan & he was highly pleased he wrote an answer but we had no postage stamps on the island then & I do not know if he sent it but if he did not he will write him soon. Milton goes a fishing with the boys. When you write please write about Woodbury and how himself & family like out where they live. I must close now. By.

Subscribing myself

Your affectionate sister

Susan Spinney