H^d Q^r "In the Field" near Atlanta

Wednesday July 20^th 1864

           

Dearest Mother

                                    It is very little satisfaction to write when you feel confident that one's letters rarely ever reach their destination. Even if there was a certainty of one out of half a dozen it would compensate for the little trouble we meet with in camp where the facilities are at a discount. I must confess that I have written only occasionally for the last few months—fearful that I might in some way involve you with the Administration. Your letters have all spoken of the difficulties of communication and the consequences if detected. Notwithstanding I venture this time, hoping to avoid the [?] who object or by abstaining from contraband news disarm them of any excuse they may have for a visitation of their power for disobedience of orders. Confining myself strictly to family news—

 

                                    Several letters by the Western route have reached me recently, tho' quite old date. You speak so feelingly of my affair de coeur that I should like much to enlighten you but as things stand now I think it better to defer until something more substantial can be reported. When opportunity offers I will again make a visit for the purpose / of deciding matters. Raleigh's information is a little premature. I think however that a day or two in that quarter would be sufficient to finish what was so lately commenced.

                                   

I have not heard from Raleigh for some weeks, suppose he has been off some days. I hope you hear from him more regularly than I do.

                                   

I sent you a letter via Natchez a day or two ago in answer to yours of April May—Mrs. O. writes occasionally and gives the home news.

                                   

How different we are situated & I cannot help contrasting this with three years ago. I am sitting in the woods—time 9 o'clock P.M.—Jacket off, surrounded by the Staff, the Gen^l just retired for the night having this moment rec^d a Federal prisoner, and warmed supper to be given him & carried over to the Corps[?]^AQM. The guns have kept up a continual fire all evening. But still I feel more comfortable than at any time during the campaign. What it might be if, as years ago, I was quietly enjoying myself at home with every thing to add to my comfort and have you to console me in all my troubles. How ever is better not to think too much of those things—

           

This is rather a confused epistle, but make allowances for I am somewhat under the weather this evening.

           

Give my best love to Father, Bazil & Doug, Gordon & the "young ones"

                                   

And my whole heart for you

dearest Mother

                                   

From your Most devoted

Hanson /

 

H^d Q^rs Loring's Division

Tuscumbia N. Ala.

 

November 3^d 1864

Dearest Mother

                 I find, that this letter, which I supposed had long since found its way to the desired point, still resting where I very carelessly threw it, as it was under some difficulties that I was compelled go through to write the same. I think it worth while sending, notwithstanding its age. Please accept and read the same it. Its beauties consist in the contrast of my condition at that time, and the present. Then, it was just after the great battle.                      

 

Your truce letters written after my exchange have just arrived giving much pleasure. I wish you would try and discover the direction of Susan Grant Butler, probably Lucinda remembers it. I think I met her in Savannah, had not time to speak to her. I should like to see her.

                                               

Our Com^d is in "Stewarts Corps" Army of Tenn. no doubt you will hear of us through the United States papers.

                                               

Give my love to Baz, Aunt, Grandma, Aunt AnnEliza Father & family

                                               

Much for you dear Mother—continue to write to M^cKnight—he was of our staff. Tell Bazil to write—

SOURCES