[Letter from Alfred F. Sine to his parents Moses and Sarah Sine. Original letter at Colson Library, University of West Virginia. Note: letter was written at the time of the Battle of Gettysburg]
Near Mannington July 2nd 1863
Dear Father and Mother. I imbrace the present opportunity of informing you of the welfare of myself and family. We are all in good health at present with the exception of Mary Anne. She accidently was thrown off a foot log about ten days ago and has not walked alone since without crutches. I said accidently I was mistaken She was shaken off by a Irish boy. We have a fine prospect for wheat and it is nearly fit to harvest. The excitement about the Rebels coming in is almost subsided. I will try to come down to see you this summer if I can get away. No more at present.
A.F. Sine To Father and Mother
[Letter from Alfred F. Sine to his parents Moses and Sarah Sine. Original letter at Colson Library, University of West Virginia]
Near Mannington July 2nd 1863
Dear Brother and Sister. I imbrace the present opportunity of addressing a few lines in the shape of a letter. As I have told my Father about my welfare it is hardly necisary for me to rehearse the matter again. I might appologise for not comeing to see you on the same ground you spoke of. I am nearly in the same fix myself. You speak of troublesome times if ever we seen troublesome time it is now. None is safe. All our leading men is striving for honours and it is doubtful at this time which side will conquer the peoples minds is disturbed very much about this question. We hear much about fighting but whether the Government is gaining ground I am not able to tell. We heard President Lincoln and family had left Washington but I cant believe it. The movement of the Rebels is hard to find out. It is believed that they will shortly attack Washington of Baltimore. They have torn up all the bridges between Harpers ferry and Cumberland. The Militia is called out here but what amount will have to go we do not know yet. We do not hear anything of the Rebels in West Virginia at this time. Public oppion is not settled yet. What the public says must prevail. We have two strong parties here. The one is democrats or the abolotions call them Copperheads. This is the party I think must and will prevail. If they do not succeed our country is in a bad situation. We hear something new every day about the war. Nothing looks like peace. The draft is postponed 30 days. Whether things will be any better at the expiration of that time I am not able to tell. We heard from new Creek yesterday. They are expecting fight there. Vicksburgh is not taken yet. The reports says they have silenced the Rebel guns. I would like to see you and we could talk about these things. I must close for want of room. I remain as ever your affectionate brother till death A.F. Sine to William N Sine
[Letter from Alfred F. Sine, aged 56 to his brother William N. Sine
Original letter at Colson Library, University of West Virginia
Notes: Effie was 4 year old daughter of William Sine, who died in 1874, in an accident.
Alfred's son Nelson had died the previous year, in an accident.
10 years later, Alfred Sine donated part of his land to build the Beegum Church]
May 24th, 1874
Mannington, Marion County W.Va.
Dear Brother and Sister
I embrace the present opportunity of addressing you a few lines in the shape of a letter. We are well at present. In reply to yours of the 3rd of ___ I must ____y your was a sorryful one when we think of that dear little one you loved so well thrusted in Eternity in a few moments. It showed us we ought to be ready for life is uncertain and death is certain. I can feel for you having been bereaved of a member of my own family by accident. You have one consultation for Christ had said of such is the Kingdom of Heaven. While we are mourning her little prattling tongue is singing the song of Masses and the lamp forever in heaven. She was too good to stay in this sinful world as we wanted we might not try for a better one. The Apostle Paul says all things work together for good for those that live uprightly. I thought of it today in the Sabbath school. It seems a few months ago when Nelson was our leader in singing in the school. His comrades now sings without him. While little Effie was walking through the field prattling along about the little flowers you never thought the next Sabbath she would be in the cold grave.
Tell your other children their Uncle Alfred intends to meet little Effie in heaven. Think we can do nothing better than try to instruct the youth in the way of virtue and happiness. Our days in the world is short and full of trouble. Therefore it behooves us Professors of Christianity to walk in the vocation in which we are called looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.
Our Sabbath school here is doing tolerably well for a neighborhood mixed up with different denominations. We have but little preaching here. Three of four cannot appoint their own preacher. I would be glad some Gospel Preacher could come and hold a Preaching meeting. It might bring people together. We have so many among us according to Christ and the Apostles. There is but one way in and through the merits of Jesus Christ. NB Sarah Chesney or Neely were both here the other day after their money. I did not pay then as I had loaned the money I intended for them. It seems to me they ought to wait awhile. Please write and let me know when you intend to pay them. I should like to have a little counsel on the subject. I am not posted on them notes or their form whether they can be immediately collected or not.
I remain as ever your affectionate brother.
From Alfred F. Sine to William N. Sine
Please excuse mistakes and ___
Write soon. I remain as ever your Dear Brother