Atlanta Georgia

July 12^th 1864

 

            For the first time in many weeks my dearest Mother, I had one of your letters yesterday, forwarded by Mrs Ogden dates of 22^d April 30^th May. The first intimation of Marys illness—poor little thing, how I love her and long to see her. I hope & pray she has entirely recovered. Dear Nan too, that I should have forgotten her birthday & let it pass without recognizing it, tho' I think of you constantly. How merciful God has been in watching over all the family and sparing us when death & mourning has visited so many. / Oh! that we should all meet again in our once happy home. What a delightful reunion—a charming anticipation.

 

            The recent movement of the enemy around Petersburg has interrupted communication and cut me off from all my friends in Va. What an isolated feeling, a desolate & forlorn state of things. But for an occasional epistle from Savannah I am afraid I should have a chrome case of the "blues". However under the circumstances I am doing well. Health—never better—hopes—never brighter ("for our old Grand Mother") altogether, if I can only get back to you again will never give way to despondency, but take the world as it comes & "eat my bread in quietness".

 

            What anxiety yours must be at this time, a son, each, in the Virginia & Tennessee Armies. The Northern papers with astounding victories, wonderful changes, slaughter of the many / unequaled, &c. &c. &c. Believe nothing you read, except it be, extract from some of our papers. Raleigh is in the Cavalry & the "Confeds" say that he is necessarily "Iron clad". I am on Staff and in a measure, protected from the dangers of skirmishers, for which our army is so noted. I have a pleasant presentiment that no Hanson will return some of these days. Dont be uneasy therefore, for really, you have less to grieve over than many others, who have only one son, if he be in Infantry. Hope for the best dearest Mother treasure yr strength in case an accident should happen.

 

            I dont know what the last dates you have, from me, but I suppose, not very late—Probably you have not heard that you are under more obligations, for the family in Savannah could not have been kinder if I were really their flesh & blood. Alice Stemberger (who you may possibly remember at the Springs) now Mrs Potter, and Nannie / Parkman kept house & "took me in", made me serve in Johns place who was absent most of the time in camp. Across the street was Geo Gordon where I dropped in semi occasionally you may believe. Mrs. Geo. Birne arrived from Huntsville during my stay, soon learned to call me Hanson from her husband. The young ladies were equally agreeable & [?] me to the belief that your humble servant was no small shakes in that "squat". All pressed me to return & promised to all the pleasures the city afforded. I go the first opportunity when I will write you more concerning the result of my endeavours &c.

 

            How I should like to see Father, how I miss him, never to hear from him, it's like having no father at all. Can't you persuade him to drop a line, even by Flag of truce. Give my fondest love. Tell Gordon I rec^d his letter thro' Mr. O ask him to write again. Fraid it wont do to write of military matters. Give my love to Aunt Eliza & let her see my letters. She was always so kind to me. Love to Baz. will write him tomorrow. Ask them all to write Nan, Mary, Doug, Marsh &c. Poor old Gen^l Polk. My [?] /

 

[overwritten]

 

Bishop Elliott's sermon was grand I will send you a copy. I was confirmed by him on Easter Sunday last March. Almost determined to live in Savannah after the war to attend his church. Oh! I have so much to tell when we meet again. God have mercy upon you dearest, best of friends & Mother. Never forget me in your prayers. I have such faith in your supplications. I feel that through you God has provided a special angel to guard me. So many unmistakable evidences of His Divine interposition when temptation & danger surround me, that I go fearlessly when duty calls, he spots where death looks inevitable. Frequently in carrying orders I pass through shell & ball that rain like snow and—God has spared me. 

 

            Continue to write to Mrs Ogden regularly. You have made a [?] friend. With love dearest Mother from                               

 

Your devoted Son

J. Hanson Thomas

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