Fort Stedman near P. Burg.

Sept 31^st 1864

 

Dear Laura,

            I have just rec^d your kind letter of the 26^th I am so thankful to you for writing. we have been moving all the time and the mails remained in camp. I am worried to hear that you are sick with ague. I know how disagreeable it makes one feel. I sincerely hope you will soon get better. Laura, I am so much hurt to think that you blame me for not writing to you. I have always endeavored to answer as soon as possible, and write when I thought it my duty. I have not forgotten you neither will I. my thoughts are constantly fixed upon you. I cannot for one moment think / that anything could interfere with this my fondest hopes, and bright anticipations of the future.

 

Laura, believe me and abandon all apprehensions that you may have. I would have you know that I am constant and true and I never will deceive you, neither have I forgotten you. I love you and ever shall. what more can I say. I hope this may suffice. why if I should tire so soon, I am then not worthy your confidence, but I have written to you this week, which I hope will give you entire satisfaction I have made up my mind that you are truly and devotedly my friend and nothing shall in the future cause me to distrust unless I should by force of circumstances be compelled to think otherwise. 

 

I rec^d quite a novel letter from Mag Eckman this morning I must answer to day. She is teaching school. the Army is on the move fighting continuous on the right and left the 2^d Corps holds the works in front of Petersburg. you will soon hear of great and bloody battles. I hope we may gain a decisive victory and end the war. We must fight and defeat the rebel Armies or elect M^cClellan for President.

 

I have written a short letter for the Democrat. I sent it to Mr. Morgan to hand to the Editor. recruits continue to come in large numbers. the Army will soon be strong. I think the battle now in progress will tell whether we must fight on until another call of troops / is made to fill the places of the unfortunate. I hope I may come out all safe. I ask you to remember me in your prayers, and I know I will be spared.

 

I will be to happy to receive that letter from your Papa. I so often wondered why he did not answer my letter, but I could not blame him as he has enough to do to attend to his affairs at home without having a correspondence in the Army.

 

my kind regards to your parents and all tell Joe that he should bring his pistol to the Army, and shoot Rebels why did he not answer my letter. I love to read his they are so good.

 

I will look for an answer soon from one who loves you,

WHT

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