Northumberland May 18, 1861

 

            Dear Friend & Cousin

I now take this present moment's opportunity, as it were, for the purpose of a short communication. I now write at short notice at North^ld in soldiers array, and having but a short time to stay among those whom I regard and esteem as friends and by whom, though not always sincere, I have received many smiles accompanied with kindness, I have a claim in sunbury which is justly due and an easy matter to satisfy. It is this. viz. Your yearly or fifteen yearly visit And if you wish to see me at home, within any reasonable time at least, come over next Saturday / and even that may be too late, but then, if not sooner and stay till about monday or longer and you may be then on the train which conducts us to the seat of war. Now if you do not come to see me (for it is your place as far as concerns all the family) before I go, having justly concluded that you or others care nothing about us, I shall not be in disposition for looking for you at the depot as we pass by.

 

            There has been no little perplexity in a decision to the as to my my present step, but the despicable and undeserved title of coward and the cause have induced me to remain under all circumstances in defiance of dissuasion, discouragement and a splendid offer which I had before recruiting times 

 

            It may be that I may see this from very reasonable conclusions but if so there will be no particular disappointment. My associates I fear will be the chief means of my unhappiness for already there have been proofs of it. However I may be judging too rashly at least many obstacles, and at best many trials some even necessarily advantageous to us are incident to our pilgrimage here encountering us everywhere

 

So let us endeavor to do our duty unmoved and and with an unyielding perseverance with a firm reliance on the "protection of divine Providence that "Every thing shall work together for the better with them that fear the Lord" 

 

Forget not to observe this last invitation and to lay apologies aside and we take once more together with our friends with us at the "Old House at Home"

           

I have written sufficiently for my limited time and must hasten to close my letter

say      

Farewell but not

Forever, and leave the

office.                         

 

Yours affectionately

truly & respectfully.

James E Morgan

 

PS. Please excuse my scribling hand write as it was in a great hurry, and, as you may suppose, a kind of agitated and hurried excitement

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