James Sloan Gibbons letter to Abby Hopper Gibbons

New York Aug 8. 1862

My Dear A

Thine of 4th received this morning. Did you
write no letters between the 27th & that date? Do you get
papers? It is a relief to hear from you, though three days
nothing of what is most wanted. I shall take it for granted
that everything will be "gratefully acknowledged" and "carefully
compounded," as the [?] to say, and encourage
the packing of all that we get, for prompt shipment.
I am sorry that Capt Snyder could not land. But perhaps
he will do so on his return trip. Home matters as
usual. Mrs. S. comes to-night, & goes to her medium. She is
manifestly going down, to my apprehension, and however
great the folly, if it gives comfort, it is of real use. But
I am convinced that there psychological medium
doctors are impostors, & only a grade above fortune tellers.

3 1/2 Poll. That close for the mail. I send Post & Tribune
to-day. You cant expect me to write much, sending a
daily bulletin. Adding all together, it makes a good deal.

[Affectionately]
J.S.G.