Camp Johnson near Kinston
June 18th [1862]
I received yours last night of the 10th & was sorry to learn that you had suffered so much uneasiness on my account. I read the statement in the newspapers that I had gone to Richmond & thought it would make you uneasy but supposed of course that my letters would remove it. But you did not get them. The mails are very provoking, but I suppose it is hardly to be expected what they should run with regularity when everything else is so out of joint in the country. I was greatly pleased however to learn that you were better; I hope you will continue to improve now that the weather is fine. You have written me a time or two before to ask what you should do for a physician & I forgot to reply sooner. You will have to employ Dr. Hardy, he is a good physician & I have no doubt will be Kind to you, notwithstanding his political prejudices. At all events darling it is the only chance unless Dr. Stevens were in reach of you. He is a very fair young physician Dr. Reynolds is out of the question & I know of nobody else there.
What has become of Cousin Elvira and the suit of jeans she was to make for me? I should like very much to have a piece of nice country Jeans. I would have it made up and trimmed elegantly, Confederate style, and if elected Governor I would be inaugurated in it. If she cant make it I wish you would get some celebrated Jeans maker to make me the best piece that can be put up without saying what it is for except that it is me a sort of uniform. I enclose you herewith a fifty dollar bill to pay our taxes &c. It is all I have now, I will send you some more at the next pay day which will be the 30th inst. or soon after. Please let me Know if received. I did not get your letter written by Mr. Merrimon or Major Israel don’t know what became of the them You speak of your Despatch having stopt & the train being out, do you want it sent again? If so I will send it at once. Let me Know. When will Cousin Ann Lizzie leave you. I hope not soon darling, for I know she has been a great comfort to you in your lonliness. Keep her as long as you can. My love to every body. I keep quite well. Kiss my Children for me and God bless you all and protect you is the prayer of your ever faithful & devoted husband.
[Zeb Vance to his wife]
Source: Frontis W. Johnston, ed., Letters of Zebulon Baird Vance, Volume 1 http://nc-historical-publications.stores.yahoo.net/paofzebabvo1.html
