Part 2. Mexican War letters, 1845-1847
I trust you have not placed any fond hopes on seeing me come back from this place.
I found on my arrival here this morning that there was nothing to be done but to proceed to the destination assigned me. Since leaving Philadelphia the news is more belligerent from Mexico, and though I have not the slightest fear of any hostilities on the part of the Mexicans, yet the existence of such reports renders it a point of honor for me to go. From all I can hear (for besides seeing many people who pretend to know, I have met one gentleman who resides at the very place I am going to,) all agree in pronouncing it as healthy a country as any in the world, and if I can only escape New Orleans, that there will be but little danger afterwards.
Of course I shall take every precaution at New Orleans, and leave the city as soon as I possibly can, and I really am in hopes that I shall get safely there and in a short time return to our dear home.
In the meantime keep up your spirits and take care of your health and that of the children.
No one can tell how my heart was rent at parting with you; but I believe it is for the best that we should be parted, if I am to go, for the terrible agony I endured at the very sight of you and my dear children, it would be impossible to describe.
However, there is no use in fretting over what cannot be helped, and there only remains for us to pray God to protect us and bring us again together in his good pleasure.
I suppose you have to-day seen Mr. Pemberton,1 who was kind enough to accompany me to New Castle.
I found his society most agreeable, as it prevented me from giving way to my pent — up and lacerated feelings, and I felt deeply grateful to him for his kindness.
