Nancy L. Groot to wife of B. F. Batchelor - June 28, 1863

Glaveston—June 28th 1863

My Dear Daughter in law

Many letters have I attempted to write to you but failed to finish them something would occur and I would lay it by for that time. My Husband 1 has been sick all the time since the war broke out. Charlotte & Tena were her on a visit & Tena spoke so much about little Florrence that I am longing to se her and love her too. if you can come and se us I should be but to happy. I will try to make you comfrotable if you will come besides I think I can cure your sore mouth by having you with me. dearest Julia how is your Borther Marsellus & Family, your Brother George is with our dear Frank I know Oh! that God may protect them both for Jesus sake. If you come pleas let me know that I may be ready to receive you. Mr. Blessing 2 has gone into business in Houston we might take a trip up to goose Creek & se all the Folks. Tena is going to stay 3 Months on her visit I am looking for them down before long My Son Starr 3 has gone Home to se to the House & things I hope He will come back soon for Tena is so lonely when He is gone and besides He is so good to her how much he loves dear little Stellah the sweet little black head. Tena is delighted with goose Creek now my child do not laugh at my letter for I have paid no attention to classification, or anything of the kind but placed my thoughts on the paper just as they occurred to me. Coffee is 4 dollars per. pound, butter one dollar per pound, rice one dollar, bacon six bits per pound, molasses 3 dollars per gallon potatoes not to be had at any price and now dear Julia that you will make up your mind to make us a visit and that this will find you all well as it leave me I comit you one and all to God our blessed redeemer who doethe all things well kiss sweet little Florrence for me give kind regards to your Father and Mother and receive the best love of your Mother in law with an unceasing Prayer for you never ending Happiness in this life and that which is to come.

Nancy L. Groot

Footnotes:
1. My Husband—John S. Groot from New York, whom Frank's mother married in 1857.
2. Mr. Blessing—John P., whom her granddaughter, Charlotte Jane Winne, had married Dec. 19, 1860.
3. Starr Southmayd Jones was the husband of Frank's half-sister, Nancy Elizabeth Hollenbank (Tena). They had a daughter whom they had named Stella as the feminine counterpart of Starr.

Rugeley, H. J. H. ed. Batchelor-Turner Letters, 1861-1864. The Steck Company, Austin, TX 1961.