Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Poetry and Incidents., Volume 1.
Frank Moore, Ed.

Montgomery, Ala., April 29, 1861.

my dear young ladies: Permit me, before thanking you for your kind present, and wishes for my husband's welfare, to congratulate you upon the secession of Virginia — the birthplace of my mother, as well as yours.

The elder, and honored sister of the Southern States, is received with tearful joy among us, and many hands wilt fashion stars with which to mark this brilliant accession to our galaxy.

The possession of a work-box manufactured by little Southern girls, so industrious, so enthusiastic, and so patriotic, will be much prized by me; and I will leave it to my daughter with the note which precedes it, as a precious legacy.

Long ere you reach the responsibility of a useful womanhood, may we have united peace to independence in our Southern Confederacy.

Wishing you, my dear young friends, a long, a happy life, I have the honor to be,

Very gratefully and sincerely,

Your friend,

Varina Davis.

--Idem.