Head Qrs 3^d M^d V.V.

Near Alexa, Va. April 26^th 1864

 

My dear Hester

                Your kind and affectionate letter of the 21^st inst was duly received and would have been answered sooner but at the time it was received we were making preparations to leave for the front we arrived here on Sunday evening and expect to leave tomorrow but for where I cannot say

 

            My Regiment is now attached to the ninth Army Corps commanded by General Burnside. we expect to have the extreme pleasure of taking the famous Richmond, "the last ditch of the Rebs" although I feel satisfied that a great many brave men will be slaughtered before we succeed in doing so perhaps your Bob may be one of the number, if such should / be my fate I sincerely hope that you at least will shed a tear to the memory for one who loved you well, and if on earth we should meet no more, may we be prepared to meet at our Fathers throne to part no more forever. I know that I am not as good as I might be but I will try and be better than I have been heretofore and thus atone for the past

 

            Your words of encouragement afford me great relief and I really am proud to know that my dear Hester is such a good "Union" lady

 

            As you say "Murder will out" "if the crows bring it out" and I am awful sorry that you cannot have the pleasure of your dear Bobs presence.

 

            You say that you wish you could do something to make / me happy. now I will tell you how to make me happy—do not get downhearted and write long letters to me; for I know you would if you knew how much pleasure the perusal of their contents afford me

 

            You say you pity the poor fellows that have no one to care for them, tis true there is many a one in such a plight but I take great pleasure in informing that I know of no one in my Regiment but has some one to regret his death if such should be his lot

 

            Enclosed you will find a picture who it is I think you will know without looking at the back of it 

 

You will please excuse this poor writing as my time is short. I would like to have another one of your cartes de visite as the one I have is most worn out

 

            Remember me to all enquiring friends and accept my love for yourself

 

Yours as ever

Bob

 

Address

            1^st Lieut. R. S. Stedman

            C^o "C" 3^d M^d Vet. Vol. Infty

            Detachment 9^th A.C.

            Alexandria, V^a

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