Head Qrs 3^d M^d Vols 

Cumberland Tunnel Tenn

Oct 12^th 1863             

 

Friend Hester

              I was very much surprised indeed at the contents of your note dated Sept 23^d which came to hand yesterday. from the tone of it I would suppose you was anxious to discontinue a correspondence which I must own has caused me to while away many a tedious hour of dull camp life.

 

I cannot imagine who the buisy-body can be who has circulated a story to the effect that I am engaged to a young Lady of Baltimore. If such was the case you certainly would be doing injustice to the fair female by keeping up a correspondence with your humble servant but I assure you on the honor of a soldier that whoever told you so was / never more mistaken in their lives for I had come to the conclusion long ago not to throw myself away outside of New York. however all I have to say on the subject is, that if after receiving this you still wish to discontinue writing I must bow in meek submission to your will

                                                                       

Yours as ever

R. S. Stedman

 

Address

            R. S. Stedman

            1^st Sergt C^o. C. 3^d M^d Vols

            1^st Brig 1^st Div 12^th Corps

            Army of the Cumberland

            Nashville, Tenn.

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