Typed letter from Ellen at White Hall, January 13, 1861 — page 2

exstatically received by the boys. They were all in such a state of excitement that none were ready for bed till eight o’clock. Consequently slept soundly till late this morning. They have been as good and quiet and pleasant as possible, and are out in the yard making the most of the sunshine. It was funny to hear Sea running from one to the other calling “boy, boy” and laughing heartily. The little room that Maim usedto have is the children’s play room, where theycan make as much noise as they please at all times and they were all in there. By degrees the negroes collected to admire and be introduced. I assure you, you are considered wonderfully smart to have four such boys, by the colored population who all think boys far preferable to girls. Every now and then I went in to look and would bring Theo or Sea back with me in the hall, but in a very few minutes they would ask for “de boys” and go back. Christie and Sam were very anxious to sleep with them but I thought they better stay with me, as in case of any of them being sick the noise would wake the others. Annette sleeps in the room opposite mine with Theo and Sea and Susan is also in there in case I want her. I hope they will continue as well and hearty as they all are now. I will write often but in case you do not hear when you expect you must make great allowances for mail failures, for they are continually occurring now. I am sure you have not gotten all the letters I have written you. Should any of them be at all sick I will not trust to the mail but will make an opportunity to do the R. R. so as to ensure your getting the letters so you need not feel uneasy at not hearing. I hope you and the little Dr. are thriving. I asked Sam if he meant to call the baby “skeeter” but he was indignant at the idea and I suppose only means to dub Dr. Huger with that tender