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Dear Husband, While I long for your return to me, I fear
that my darling beau cannot be so easily separated from our residence. It seems that both men
whom I love cannot remain faithful to me, as the Captain has, in recent days, become
quite reviled in the garrison as well as around the city for his involvement with two young
ladies. So infamous is he that he cannot set foot outside the house without being chased
down by an angry mob, who are either friends of the young ladies' fathers or affiliated
with the owner of the questionable tavern near the fort. It will be fortuitous for the
gentleman if he is able to return to his post without becoming an invalid at the hands of
these vicious crowds. You must understand my concern given my appreciation for the Captain's
distinguished and well-known good looks, which are far superior to yours.
For this reason, Mr. Bailey has been occupying your section of our bed and shall remain there
until further notice. Inasmuch as I have concerns of my own that require my attention pertaining
to the very live and limb of my darling* James, I shall not be sending any money for the payment
of your debt at that disease-ridden brothel, nor for the medical treatment that your frolicking
shall surely require in due time.
I trust that the Army is tending to your needs with regards to daily sustenance. Should you
find yourself in need of further nourishment, I am told by Mrs. Christiana Oler that there
are plentiful chickens of the finest breeding available in the harbor at the Fleet Street
port.
I remain your bemused wife.
Cecelia