Boscobel Aug. 31^st 1863

 

Miss. Annie M. Henry

            Sparta Wis.

 

My Darling Annie:

For the first time in a year, when it has been possible for me to write, I have omitted to write you on Sunday. But you will excuse me when I tell you the circumstances. On Saturday night my cousin a dear old friend of my boyhood days came to visit me, and as he had to leave me again this morning evry moment was precious.—My brother also. The one that is going to / marry that widow next Sunday, came to visit me and invite me to the wedding. I had a long talk with him, but I soon found that it was useless to oppose him. The poor boy's fate is fixed and now the irrevocable step will be taken. My brother who has been in the store during my absence is going away to school and left us last week. Mr. Mortimer has been unwell for two or three days and I have been obliged to take charge of the store. I received a letter from the Adjutant of our Regt. this evening informing me that my resignation had been received but could not be acted upon until I sent some other papers. I have / been very busy all the evening making out the papers required in order to have them ready to send in the morning by a man going from here direct to the Regt. It must be 11 or 12 o'clock now and you must excuse me darling if I do not write you much of a letter. I thought I must write you a few lines if I only told you that I have not had the ague for three weeks and do not intend having it any more.

 

            I received a letter from Gilbert the same time I received your last. He has no objection whatsoever to our engagement, but after expressing an earnest wish for mutual happiness and prosperity, very kindly / consigns you to my care, followed by the prayers and best wishes of our dearest friends. Blest in the enjoyment of such others purest affection, surely darling if we enjoy the blessing of Heaven we must be happy; God grant that his approving smile may never leave us I feel a little more hopeful dear in regard to my resignation being accepted. I sent last week to Madison for another certificate to extend my leave of absence. The surgeon there sent me a certificate for a leave of absence for six months stating in the certificate that he did not think that I would be able to resume my duties in a less period of time,—I shall send one of these certificates to the Regt. with my resignation.

           

With much love darling Annie I must once more say

                                                           

Good night

George

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