Walnut Hills July 2 1863

 

My Dear Wife Emelia

                                    I received a letter from you (with one from Mr Campbell) of June 9^th since I last wrote and should have answered before but have been quite busey and have been waiting to get my picture to send you. I dont think it is a very good one but it was the best I could get. I am not quite as fleshey as I was when I left but have not changed much otherwise. I have nothing new to write. I begin to think the "Rebs" can hold out longer than we wer led to believe by deserters but it is hard to tell. The Tribune will tell you more about us than I can. I wrote John Haskell and sent him $1.50 that he gave me to take care of when he was wounded. I hope he will go to Keokuk or home. Do you hear from him 

 

I should have received your last before but it stopped on the way and let the one of June 15^th come by. I knew there was one missing and was very glad when it came. How I wish I could be there with you. We would help each other just as we used to and be as happy as we could in this bad bad world. I cannot tell how long this war will last but I think a long time I shall have my share done before it is over. I hope and pray that our children will live to see freedom and peace and love to all mankind. I have not wrote to Mr C. yet have been waiting to hear from him. I feel bad when I think he is not in Clinton for he is a true man and you could rely on him and if any thing should happen to me he would be your true friend. I wrote to Charles Powers a few days ago. Do you hear from John I wrote him some time ago but have received no answer. I wish I could see your pigs and chickens and all your / other stock. has the strawbery heifer got a calf yet. If the colts get poor you had better get some starts and feed them some for now is the time for them to grow I hope they will get over the distemper. The butter is all gone Emelia. I am sorry for it was so good but I suppose you made it to eat. If you have a chance I wish you would send me 2 or 3 good crash towels long enough to go round me I cannot get them here. I can write no more this time for it is time for the mail to close. Tell Ralph to be good and help mother all he can and learn Wendal to say Papa. God bless you all.

 

Ever your own true

George

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