Head Quarters 3^rd Brigade     

2^nd Division 4^th AC

Decatur Ala                                                                                                    

March 12 /65

 

Dear Beloved Wife

                        this day finds me the happy recipient of a letter from you dated March 1^st I was surprised when receiving it I didnot think the mail came through yet I have not mailed any letters to you for sometime but have writen one and gave it to Dan Howe he will start for home soon and will give it to you your letter found me well and I sincerly hope this will find you in better health

 

            Dear L your letter brought to mind the 24 of Febuary 1864 and a great many circumstances / some pleasent and some not so pleasent I think you will remember what occured that day at least I do if I had not been used to having such luck I should have been discouraged but was determined to persevere till the end let cume what may but came out all right after all

 

            But who would not put themselves to trouble to get such a prise if I had not sumbody els would like the man with his beets but I think I have said enough on the subject

 

            I am happy to hear of W^m Burcard giting his better half I'll bet she is the bigest half also will make a good bedfellow for winter or summer 

 

            I also heard that one of J J Metcalf girls was married but donot credit the story if so you would have said something about it Let I have no mariges to inform you of as none of my friends feel enclined at present

 

            Let I have no nuse to write for you probably heard all before this there is good nuse in the east and will be more soon I think this is the last stroke I feel encouraged hoping the war is nearly over and the Vets may go home and let this 300000 men smell powder a while be sides the oder of the blossoms in the land of dixy you well know that the land abounds with many we are having fine weather and the water is falling fast in the river our pontoon gave away it was not abel to stand against the flood of wood and water / Well Let I must close this letter soon Love you must excuse me for not writing more often I will try and do better hope ere many mounths passes I can talk to you without the use of pen and ink Let I hope to hear from you soon love to all

                                                                                   

I am your ever

Devoted Husband

Frank Ashley

                                                                                                           

Let Ashley

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