1864 Charleston, South Carolina Domestic Civil War Era Letter written by Sallie E. Burke to Mr. Dreker who is departing for war

Charleston, South Carolina: n.p., 1864. Letter. Good. Approx. 7.75" x 4.75" folded paper. 4 pages of content. Tissue repairs to splits along the folds. Ink stain on page 4. Good condition.

Ms. Burke responds to Mr. Dreker's letter and thanks him with glowing compliments. She remarks about current events and friends. "Cecile's brother has just arrived from Columbia. He laughs at the dull, dreary appearance of Charleston, and gives an animated description of the life, and gaiety in Columbia." Ms. Burke laments the miserable weather in Charleston and is hoping for a break in the "darkness." Regarding the War she writes "Mr. Westmore says, he (truncated) heard this morning from very good authority, that the 5th Cavalry would NOT be removed from their present scene of service. Ms Burke is sad to see her friend leave and writes, "I would be really sorry to have you leave now especially as our intercourse was becoming so ? and friendly. I regret very much to have it interrupted but wish that Distance will not break a friendship which has been so pleasant thus far." Ms. Burke encourages her friend to write as conditions permit and to be safe and quickly return. She states, "Hope points her beacon light so the happy day, not very distant, when you shall return to your native state, covered with laurels, and enjoy the blessing of peace purchased through much suffering. Our prospects are so bright at present. I cannot but think that ? the summer roses fade, or the leaves of autumn wither, the ? of War will ease its thunder ? and the glad notes of Peace shall re-sound once more through our Southern land. (Inventory #: 33740)