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

Feb 11^th 1865

 

My Own Dear Laura.

                                    I have just rec^d your most welcome letters of 6^th & 7^th came to hand to night. I was so glad to have them. I looked and waited but not in vain. I am not at all well. I was taken quite sick this morning at 3 A.M. with head ache & vomiting. I did not get up till 10 A.M. I rode to camp but could not eat. I took a good dose of salts and went to bed and had a sweet sleep. I feel much better now and will try and write to my best friend. how I wished for you to rest my weary sick head. do you know when you were to sit by me when I was sick. I think of this a thousand times / but do not trouble about me I will soon be well again. I should not have told you but as I am so much better you will please not think strange.

 

Mr. Zimmerman, F Campbells Brotherinlaw is close here. he seen him he is not well and looks to be discharged soon. he is in the 45^th Regt Pa Vols. I cannot tell how soon Ca will come home as he does not know himself but I think in the course of two weeks at the longest. I have but little news to tell you from the Army. I suppose you have heard of the battle. our gains will not compensate for the losses. the move is abandoned for the present. the weather is quite pleasant with plenty of mud and some rainy days. I have been doing some firing to day and the Rebs have replied with mortars doing no damage / save the wounding of one man

 

            Maj Ricketts was here to see me to day and gave me permission to pitch in to them if they have a disposition to trouble me. So I did. he looks well.

Mr Mercer talked of Peace Dove has come and gone. Nothing remains but to fight it out. So says Jeff & Abram too. I am Lord of Lords & King of Kings. and you know Grant says his cat has the longest tail and thinks he is Master of the situation. therefore you can all look for a prolonged and bloody struggle. I have not heard from Brother since the battle but I hope he may be safe. his Regt was in the fight but I believe did not lose many men.

 

I am so lonesome to night I wish for some one to be with me. you can guess who she is and I venture to say she would be pleased to see me and give / me a welcome with a kiss, but let us wait most patiently the time will pass away almost unnoticed.

 

You must not trouble so much. twill make it none the better, indeed worse, if tis the will of God for me to return in safety, then I will come and I know we will be happy.

 

            I must now close please excuse my short letter as I am not able to write more to night. I will write soon again. My love to all. please write soon.

                                                                       

I am ever yours,

Lieut. WHThurston

[sideways]

 

P.S. Laura, what caused old Yerdy to leave and where is he going & who do you call Lake Superior I did know but have forgotten

            WHThurston

 

and who do you intend to get to work.

 

Say wont you hire me I am a good boy but dont like to do hard work                       

Laura

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