Council Hill Dec 18

 

Dear Brother

                        I was very glad to get a letter from you once more but we all felt deeply the news it contained of Bro Joe's death and as with your Mother so with Joe's, the loss rests most heavily. They think it leaves but little room for doubt. Yet there is a spark of hope until you get to see Mr Bangs and know whether he saw him there or not. They want you to let them know where Mr. Bangs lives, if he has a furlough or get his address as they will try to get all the particulars / they can from him. They desire me to thank you for your kindness in sending the best proof known. We heard it before but nothing near as definite as you sent. It came from John Spencely Sarah seemed to feel deeply her loss and came out home but Mother would not think it was true and she went home about an hour before I got your letter feeling that she still had hope I think she loves Joe as much as she is capable of loving and will certainly mourn sincerely for him I shall read her your / letter when I see her again. You will write as soon as you see this man or know that he knows for a certainty that he is really gone. Yes, we would wish too that he had died some other way than in the hands of those Southern fiends. Oh! it is too dreadful to think of. I hope my dear Brother you will be spared from any danger on the battle field. Your family has indeed done its share of crushing out this wicked Rebellion. I hope / you will keep just well enough to do post duty but not well enough for active service, until this war is over. All the folks are pretty well. John is writing to you to-night, so I though I would just send this note and write a letter next time. I rec'd a letter from Till and want to answer now. She was well. We expect to go out to see Mother soon. It does seem so hard Robert should fall so young and in the first battle, but it is so and the sorrow must be borne. We hope to hear very soon from you again Your sister as ever A. E. Leekly

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