Lt Louis Levee                                   

June 5^th 1863

 

Dear Wife on my knee I will pen you a few rough words I am feeling better this morning though I have slept all knight on the pavement of the levee you will say how hard but I did better than I often have on a bed

 

I heard from you by our drum Major who said he left you on the platform looking for me Oh Sarah do not look for me or think I will come until I get my discharge & it may be some time but I think I shall yet as I shall make application at the earliest chance & I have some encouragement to hope that it will be accepted but I will go with the Regiment until then So dear Sarah do not allow your self to feel so uneasy about me I shall be all right yet with / I hope I am now seated at a table for breakfast & feel better than a few days ago but not really well do not misconstrue what I say as I tell you just as I am men are worse off that will have to stay with Regt cant help it I have palpitation of the heart & a pain in my breast other wise I feel moderately well this morning.

 

I have eaten a harty breakfast & a fine dish of strawberries I thought of you & home while I eat We get on the boat in a few hours at most I would write  more but the chance is so poor I will close & write again to send off at Cairo giving a full description of details I will not likely hear from you until I get to Memphis

Again do not be uneasy of me 

 

            We had a glorious reception by the ladies of St Louis of coffee & cakes Gen Brown of Springfield sent for me & tendered me his thanks for my aid in the battle of the 8^th [?] & said my name was recorded with the brave soldiers & Officers this is one bright spot [?] in the desert of a soldiers life write often now good by another to you soon

                                               

Your Husband

O Barnard

SOURCES