August 27^th 1864

 

            Dearly Beloved Wife it is with much heaviness of heart that I again address you & I would gladly avoid it on account of the pain it gives me & that I am aware you will suffer on account of the intelligence which I am about to communicate to you

 

I wrote to you a few days ago that we expected to cross the river in a few days then I wrote to you again that I did not think we would cross, but now I am under the painful necessity of informing you that I expect to cross in a few days & if we get across we will go immediately to Mobile in alabama we expect to cross & go to Jackson Miss first & from there to Mobile by railroad So that is the understanding now there probably will be a good many that will not cross but can I desert my country in her last extremity & be willing to give up all that we have been fighting for Patriotism says no my love of country says no my considerations of the hereafter says no then shall I let my love & affection for my wife & children & relations answer what then would I gain by coming home what pleasure do deserters have at home now I might enjoy myself for a short time with my family would to God I could be with you awhile before I start but that cannot be now, & I do think I / have been wrongly treated in not getting to come home before this time.

 

            Then taking evry thing into consideration & I expect to stay with my C^o So my dear Wife & children I will have to leave you as you have been for the last 14 months to do the best you can & to the mercy of a gracious & all merciful redeemer it seems that a great deal depends on the holding of Mobile & it must be hardly pressed at this time Oh Betty live in hopes & try & live so & train up our children so that if we never meet here on earth more that we may meet in heaven

           

There will not be wars then neither will there be parting of friends & loved ones like it is here. tell Sister Matilda that I think it is time her & Jess were enlisting in the cause of christ & setting their children an example to live after for their salvation & wellfare hereafter depends a great deal on the example set by their parents then my dear wife consider that your example has a bearing upon those that surround you especially those that are most dear & that you would like most to meet in the world to come. now I have nothing more to write at this time I am enjoying very good health now I will write evry opportunity I know of no way of getting letters across the Mississippi now & that is the worst feature of the whole thing Give my best respects to Mr Powel & family & enquiring friends & may God in his mercy protect comfort & sustain you & your friends in all their trials is my prayer for you all from your affectionate Husband

                                                                                                           

Tho. W. Johnson

 

            M E Johnson

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