H^d Qs. Baty F 1^st Pa Arty

Jan 13^th 1865

 

My Own Dear Laura.

                                    I have just rec^d your kind letter of the 8^th I am ever grateful to you for answering so soon. I am assured by this that you delight in thinking of me and writing to me. I am well and feel more cheerful than I have since I left home. I will soon become more reconciled and pass my time more pleasantly

 

I am so sorry that you did not get your present. I think you will get it soon. I suppose you will laugh at my idea of getting something of that kind in mid winter, but you must keep it till summer and then think / of poor me. Say if you dont like it give it to Rose. I was bound to send you a gift no matter and I did not know what to send. I pity poor Rhoads, but the guilty must be punished and [paper hole] he deserves it I suppose the people make more adieu about him than they would over the loss of a thousand soldiers in some battle. I would sooner see him hung than to see a deserter shot. he has no doubt murdered that poor innocent woman and should suffer accordingly do not think me hard hearted, but I am in favor of punishing all such terrible crimes.

 

Well you have got a brand new name since I have been home. well thats what you get for getting better. how are you Mrs. Laura—. tell them that will be your name / some time, when they least expect it dont you think so. I do and I am quite sure do you.

 

one thing I have been thinking about since I sent them two dollars to your Pa he may possible think I intended to insult him please tell him that I done so purely thinking it was my duty. I am fully aware that in these hard times he has enough to pay and I make my money much easier than he. I did not like to hand it to him in person so I concluded to send it to him by mail. I think I told you I would do so. You can look to see Lieut Wireman home in a few days. he told me he would call at your Uncle Griers and perhaps would see you there. if he comes there please go and see him some how. you will meet a good / jovial fellow. I want you to see him. I am quite sure he will call on Meal. I hope he will not meet her as I did when I left or when I called to give them good bye.

 

Quite an excitement has been going the rounds through camp for the last two days, a truce has prevailed along the lines. Scarcely a shot has been fired and our men and the Rebels have been quite friendly

 

I have made some inquiry as to what caused it and have ascertained that a sealed letter came through to our lines from Gen Lee to Grant. What it contained I am unable to say it may be something of great importance and perhaps not. Peace rumors are again about. Some say that commission has started for Richmond and from Washington indeed some high officials of both parties are named as being among them, one Vice President Stephens of the Southern Confederacy, and the distinguished Blairs. I will give them as I heard them I fear only rumors, but I hope some truth may be attached.

SOURCES