Nashua February 27, 1865,

 

My very Dear Sister,

                                    I received your very kind and sympathising letter last saturday morn and am much obliged to you for it. The same morning brought me one from my darling son Edward. Words cannot express my joy on receiving a letter written by himself and I have great cause for gratitude that his precious life is thus preserved and I hope and trust not much wounded. He has many kind friends in Nashua which has sympathised with us in our affliction and do now rejoice with us in knowing of his safety. We hope that he will soon be exchanged & that he will soon be with us. I shall feel almost as though he has risen from his grave. We have had several interesting letters from Warner he is well & very busy as he still remains the only Surgeon. I hope & expect him home to vote. I feel very anxious to see him as it is 2½ years since I have seen him. Luther is in Salem & very busy indeed occupied from nine in the morn untill nine in the eve. / I expect & hope that dear sister Anne is better as Aaron has gone back to Boston. Mary wrote Anne E that Aaron had come home to stay with his Mother untill a change took place. I have not heard from her for two weeks. Dr Gregg had been to visit her again & changed her medicines & she was a little more comfortable when they last wrote. Sewall continues to improve in health & flesh. What a cold winter we have had. Please give my love to little Maria & tell her how much her Aunt wishes to see her. Who does she sleep with now My own health continues very good indeed for which I ought to be very thankfull. I hope you will write often your letters are such a comfort to me. Will Aunt Eastman go to Philadelphia? Give my love to Anna kiss the dear little Willie for his Aunt. I will copy dear Edwards letter for you it was written with a pencil. Col Edmunds wrote me he fought bravely & they feel his loss very much indeed. I hope Edward will stay at home a long time when he is exchanged.

 

Your Affectionate Sister.

Elisa B. Shepard.

 

Libby Prison Richmond Virg.

February 16, 1865.

 

Dear Mother

                        I am here in Libby. Well & in good spirits. I was captured in this fight at Hatchers Run Feb 6^th while trying to rally my men. Do not be at all troubled on my account. I am doing well and do not proposed to succomb to prison ills and give up the Ship. We are daily looking to exchange. Though I am a fresh fish my chance of speedy exchange is good. Please write to Col. Edmunds and ask him to send my valise to Washington Net Finch our Sutler in Washington He can send my servant to W with the valise. Please not worry about me in the least. My health is perfectly good. Love to all

                                                                                               

Your affectionate Son,

Edward B Shepard /

 

P.S.

Monday eve since writing [paper torn away]

have had another letter from dear Edward from Annapolis he is a paroled prisoner & will soon be home. He writes that his health is good. How happy I shall be to once more see him alive.

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