Hd. Qts. 33^d Regt. Wis. Vol.

Memphis Tennessee,

March 22^nd 1863

 

Miss. Annie M. Henry

            Sparta Wis.

 

My Dear Annie:—

I have recd. two letters from you since I last wrote, one of the 12^th and one of the 15^th inst. recd. last night. They were both full, as usual, of renewed expressions of endearing affection, sympathy and kindness, and aroused as they always do, longing desires to enjoy your loved society. This morning I wandered into the woods alone and indulged in a solitary review of the past. While gathering a handful of flowers and blossoms I thought of our visit to Castle Rock and all the / incidents connected with it. They are all fresh in my memory today. How many many times this morning did I wish you by my side. The weather here is truly magnificent just now. You can scarcely imagine any thing more pleasant or beautiful than a morning ride; about sunrise, just beyond the limits of the city. The country is naturally beautiful. Wealth has done all it could to improve it, and the mild, balmy atmosphere at this season of the year would almost lead you to think that you was in the land of dreams.

 

            I am glad that you had such a pleasant donation party dear, and also that you received such kind attention. Never think for a moment darling that I shall respect or love you less for enjoying the society of others during my / absence. I trust I never shall be so extremely selfish as not to wish others to enjoy themselves because I do not.

 

            I do not wish you to forget me dear. Neither do I wish you to allow the thought that I am exposed to hardships and dangers to trouble you too much. I know that your sympathies and faithful prayers are with me, that your affection and all your interests for time and eternity are sacredly committed to my care, and the thought that I fondly cherish, that I shall soon be permitted to return in safety and enjoy all with you, cheers me under evry trial and danger. God does and will hear your prayers in my behalf. Do not be discouraged in regard to the war. There has been a long lull in the / terrible storm, but something will be done soon and my faith is still strong that the rebellion must fall. The Army seems to move slow to those anxiously watching its progress at home, but none except those who are eye witnesses can realize what is to be done. The news from Vicksburg this morning were encouraging. I will send you a Memphis daily paper tomorrow or next day. I shall remember my promise to you dear in regard to coming home, but it is absolutely no use trying just now. I know it would only injure my prospects in the future to mention the subject now as I have been watching matters closely for some time. Be patient, Trust in God, and all will be well. I promised some  friends at home that I would get some photographs taken the first opportunity I had of doing so. When in the city a day or two ago I got some but they are miserable poor ones. I should just have taken them myself but I left them to be finished and sent for them by another person. I will / enclose you one which will give you a faint idea of the changes camp life has made in my appearance. I should be very much pleased dear if you could get an ambrotype taken and send me.

 

Do not loose an opportunity of visiting La Crosse and your old home dear. It may relieve the long, dull, monotonous hours, weeks and months of our separation to associate with the loved friends of other days.

 

            Enjoy yourself all you can darling, and I shall be happy to think that you are. I will write evry opportunity while you are absent and give you timely notice of any change to be made in my address. I sincerely hope you may have a long, pleasant and agreeable visit. I know that Williams family would be very much pleased to have you / make them a visit, and I have no doubt but they would keep you busily employed in answering questions. Tell Maggie that she had better keep well practiced in playing checkers if she intends beating me when I come home. I should like to know the name of her friend in the 25^th Reg. we may possibly be with them soon. They are now at Columbus Ky.

 

            The old drum will soon call me to duty and I again reluctantly say farewell.

 

Ever Most Affectionately

Yours,

G. Haw

 

M^ch 23^rd 1863

P.S. We again hear that Vicksburg is evacuated but it needs confirmation. Evry precaution is being taken here to be prepared in case they evacuate Vicksburg and attack this place. It is the general impression that they will attempt to break our lines and get north for provisions if they leave V.      George

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