Meridian Miss            

Nov 1^st 1863

 

My Dear Mother

                                    Finding another opportunity to write I take advantage of it with but little hope however that it will reach you safely. I have not yet been exchanged and am not able to say where I will be stationed. I am now on my way to Enterprise the camp for paroled prisoners.

 

I visited Brother John's command near Chattanooga and informed you of the facts connected with his death by letter of the which I hope came safely to hand.

 

            I remained three weeks with Aunt Emily at Newnan Ga & was quite sick a portion of the time. Aunt Emily has another fine little boy George Ringold Ringold and was compelled to travel 150 miles when he was ten days old. She has since been very sick, but is recovering slowly. All the children are well. Aunt Emily was very much disappointed at the loss of the presents. It is announced in the papers that Col / Wilcox has been elected again: Have heard nothing from Sisters Mary & Rachel. Uncle Daniels family are at Marietta—Uncle James is stationed at Abingdon Va was well when Aunt Margaret had last heard from them.

 

My health has been very bad for the last two months, although I have improved very much in the last two weeks. I will hope I will not be assigned duty in the field as a winter campaign will be very injurious.

 

How I wish I could once more come home & enjoy the comforts which no one knows how to provide as a mother. I think of home home nothing but home and if I could enjoy its repose & quiet I believe I would be well in a few months.

 

All such thoughts however must be dispelled. The country is at war & each man is expected to perform his duty & none can come home honorably until its close. Any letter sent to Cousin Harper will be forwarded to me

 

            My love to Pa & all at home

                                                                                                           

Affy Yr Son

D. S. Donelson

 

Mrs A. J. Donelson                                                                             

            Memphis.        (over)

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