William H. Thurston to Laura J. Morgan, 19 February 1865
Head Qtrs Baty no 14
Feb 19th 1865
Camp near Pe—Burg
 
My Own Constant L
                                    Your kind and always welcome letter came to hand this evening and I have so soon as read commenced to answer. I am well and in the best possible humor to night. this has been a beautiful day like spring. I have been out riding and just returned. I have a pleasant time and seen many good old friends but now I am all alone thinking of and writing to my best and I hope truest friend on earth. how I wish you here to see me and pass my long lonesome nights. I know you would like to do so but this cannot be. Neither can I / come to her I so fondly love but look out I may come some time and then what will you say or do. I think you remember what you promised me dont you. I will try you, but sometimes I think I had better come soon or you may get tired waiting on me, but I will hope and trust to you and providence.
 
I suppose you have had some fine times sleighing. I wish I had been along I would have had good times too dont you think so. well I am inclined to say When one Gent must take so many Ladies looks like low water times. why did you not take some one with you. dont be so selfish, we soldiers are not apt to be of a jealous disposition I do not blame those patriots at home to enjoy themselves while we are gone for most certainly when we come back they must / clear the way as our time has arrived how are you end of the War.
 
I have no doubt Luther H has had a good time. So had poor me, but when my time had arrived to go there came the tug of war. it is hard but suppose tis fair
Lieut Campbell recd a letter from Elect to night, he expects to come home soon, I think some time this month. I hope he can go. I think he should have his leave, he deserves it and has earned that distinction I have not heard from Brother since the battle. I am getting quite anxious but I am quite sure he is safe or I should have heard from him long ere this.
 
we have had an inspection to day and will have our monthly one to morrow and then we will have more time and rest. I have been busy drilling &c all week. 
 
Laura, you thought I had forgotten my friends , or you, I suppose you meant. no indeed, I intend having you for my wife, unless you Say no this is all can prevent it unless something should through the providence of God prevent it and most certainly I could not forget one on whom my future happiness depended. I presume you will call this plain talk. well you know me and I always speak so that you can understand and so soon as you get tired of this slang give me a hint and I will try and avoid it in the future.
 
I perceive you still think of the valentines you blamed me for sending you. I did not. I plead innocence to the last. I am not guilty of the crime you accuse me but say take care or some one will send you one. Say supposing I would come in person, I will try to come some time, when my girl will be from home
 
The Johny Rebs are shooting like Sam Hill to night and the Yankees none the better. they all seem to be in a good humor. methinks you will say poor fun to try to kill each other, but thats our game.
14537
DATABASE CONTENT
(14537)DL1939.066X.1Letters1865-02-19

Tags: High Morale, Homesickness, Love, Marriages, Recreation

People - Records: 2

  • (5085) [writer] ~ Thurston, William H.
  • (5086) [recipient] ~ Morgan, Laura J. ~ Thurston, Laura J.

Places - Records: 2

  • (1) [origination] ~ Petersburg, Virginia
  • (1401) [destination] ~ Sunbury, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania

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SOURCES

William H. Thurston to Laura J. Morgan, 19 February 1865, DL1939.066, Nau Collection