College Feb 14, 1861

My darling Addie,
Surrounded by scenes rendered sacred by memory, I can but think of those who were once my companions and wandered with me amid the classic shades of our Academy's groves, then and there came a sweet and gentle thought of Thee. St Valentine's Day! How vividly is this day one year ago pictured on my mind. The gay, light hearts that beat so happily in unison there, now are severed. Change, Change, makes up the deeds and acts of life. Since then earthly hope has lit new hope in many a heart; earthly love has erected new altars, some on which the flame burns brightly, but others scarcely kindles until the new feeling was dying like summer's withering rose. But let the dead Past bury its dead, We'll talk of the future. I am so lonely here since all the girls are gone. There are some of the teachers here. Miss Mulfred leaves as soon as she can get company. Mary Allen went away on Monday. I hated to see her go very much. I have had a letter from Clem. She was in Nashville having a nice time with Mc tied hard and fast with a big cloud of love. The only thing that marred her joy was starting to the Academy in such a short time, she regretted very much that she could not return. Well as for Vic I reckon Louis has so monopoly's her that she has forgotten I'm in existence. I'll make her remember me as soon as I get some paper, as I am doing your pretty little self. Yes I have a scolding for you Missy, why didn't you write to me while I was sick? It would have done me so much good. True I could not have answered if you had. Guess who I had letters from since I saw you? Well it was from Jennie Northern and Lee. Tell Ettie when you see her that Lee says she must write to her and she also wants to know what's become of John Caldwell, is he dead or alive and not to cut her out. I wonder if Ett can tell where is the little "deary." If she can't I can. He's in Arkansas following Buck Bright and the Plow. Very good medicine for consumptives. She says she had a sweet-heart that will take all shine off John. Her description is very glowing. I will give it: "he is a preacher, black hair, blue eyes, those soft melting ones that gives one the heartache, round face and when he laughs his sweet little mouth stretches from ear to ear, is only nineteen." I should think if his mouth should obey the law of progression when he is thirty-eight the lips of his would be minus. Well I supose you perhaps would like to hear something of myself. Well, I'm almost well. I have not quite recovered my strength though. I'm not very "pale and interesting." I've been moving about considerable since I'm well enough, first I was in No. 15, now in Jackson's room, she and Miss Blankenship are over at the college. Cornelia, Bettie, and myself have some nice rides since my convalesence. This prevents loneliness in some degree. The other evening while we were riding we met M. & McCord Maxwell but he did not recognize me till he had almost past the barouche, or at least he did not bow. Melville & Maud how I felt to think he did not know me. I suppose you heard of Miss Georgia's marriage. Cupid and Hymanus! she's "just as happy as a dead dog." May her honey moon never set or change but a multitude of stars come out and adorn the clear sky of her married life where this sweet moon shined in its new light. Jim Frank. do you ever see him? Don't blush at the question. Have you sent any Valentines, this is your Valentine, all you will get.
Your devoted Lover,

that is if it was J. F.

Hoping to see you soon. I'm well, Love to Ett, Mollie, Melissa, Cousin Mattie Belle.