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Letter from Fanny to Frank Hall, from Hartford, Ct.

                                                                                                                                    Hartford Dec. 22, 1862

My own dearest one

          It is an utter impossibility to tell you, to tell you anything about what a relief & joy it was to me this morning to have your letters of the 16th & 18th come here to me, My heart flows full of deep thoughtfulness to our kind Heavenly Father that you have been so sweetly protected and that I have been permitted to here from you. It seems as if I could not be thoughtful enough, my heart is full, full to overflowing. I really felt discouraged this morning here. I woke up Just hurt the letter before these was dated the l0th of course before the battle and my imagination was but too busy and my trust not as strong as it should have been.
          And then can you imagine my heartfelt comfort in your dear letters, my own one? And then to know too that you have received my letters. It seemed as if we could not heap from one another and the experience was so new, so perfectly unexpected. Do you think now that you can tell how I felt, No I dearly believe you cannot, Oh, oh, the dear comfort to know you are safe and well, Don't forget to answer my questions deary.
          Dear hubbie, I must tell you that Saturday the news of secretary Seward's resignation and his outcome so that troubled me more than a little; what a selfish mortal. Remember dearest and send some one on for me if you are sick or injured, telegraph & write too, but do not trust only to that send some one, will you remember & give me your promise that you will, my husband. It will be such a comfort to me.
          Mr. Swift has been busy and he was here twice yesterday and of course without my requesting it went to the office for a letter for me. So you see there is a real interest and Catherine too. It would do your heart good, Franky, to see how the domestics all feel.
          I could not feel it was right to send to the office Sunday. And so you can imagine Ma & I at the breakfast table having word from you and oh but the letter's gone into my very heart.
          Do not be rash and unguarded, my Franky. Do you tire of my continuous cautions but I know so well how fearless you are that I cannot but be troubled lest you fairly go out of your line of duty and expose yourself where you actually ought not, But I must trust and pray for you most earnestly. How does the matter seem to you now as to the call.
          Tell me you love me I know it but then one likes a constant reassurance. At least you know wify does, dear hubbie.
          God grant dearest that you may do much, very much good, and may we be sweetly spared to one another long & happily here on earth. And be true helpmates to one another. There is much I want to write but this must do now, so that John can take it down & catch the mail. There he is now. Deep true heart love from thine own.

                                                                                                                                   Fannie

          Remember about my letters and as you receive a fresh one burn the other. I shall feel more comfortable in writing & know it will be a proof of your love.