Camp 18^th Ala Rgt

Allisonia Tenn

May the 6^th 1863

           

My Dear Wife

                                    You have no idea how proud and happy I was to receive a letter from you this morning. I am glad to know that you are well, though I could not see that you were in danger, I could not help feeling anxious about you. A thousand thanks for writing to me as soon as you did. You must not think hard of me for anything I may have written, but think all I have said can only show my great anxiety to hear from you. I never kniew that any one could love another better than they loved themself until I married, and learned it to be so by experience. I know that I had rather be burried than have you either die or be disgraced. How could I live without my sweet wife!

 

            We are having some very unpleasant weather, for this season of the year. It has been raining very near all day. I find that my overcoat will be very useful up here this summer. It has been very pleasant all day. I have an oven of hot coals in my tent. with this oven and this coat I can manage to keep very comfortable. This is really the coldest weather I have ever seen in May and it seems to be growing no better fast /

 

            I am truly sorry to learn of the Yankee raid in Miss. When I first learned of John's missfortune I was sorry for him, but on reflection, I think as he came out "all wright" he has enjoyed it as much or more than any one else would. I would like to see and hear him give an account of himself. I guess he feels a little proud of his short campaign. If the Yankees was as much delighted in taking John from Mother as I was in getting you, I can't blame them, but it appears that they were not as well pleased as I was, for they soon found that they had no use for him. I have had my prize one month & two days and would not take worlds for you. My greatest trouble is that I cannot be with you all the while, instead of a set rough men.

 

            I am sorry to learn you have rheumatism in your arm. I hope it is well now. I wish I could go home to nurse you. I would give worlds to have that privilege now. Would it be pleasant to have your hand in mine and know we would never part again.

 

            I wish I could have been with you at your May party. Hope you enjoyed it, if I was not with you. It is pleasant to know that you enjoy life while I am away. My only pleasure is in thinking of you, and the happy moments I have spent with you. I love to think of you, and know that I have the privilege of loving you as well as I do. I wish I was worthy of such a wife as I have. Much love to Cousin Mary Dr & Mrs Turner. With much love to you I am your affect husband. Sim

 

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I write this hand because paper is hard to get and I can put more on a small space, and I can write it much faster. If it is not as easily read I will not write it. Let me know.

 

I am as well or better than I have been. Am not as well as I would like to be. Capt St[?] has just come in camp. He is looking well. I have not seen much of him as yet. When will you go to Macon. Write often to your affect husband

                                                                                               

S.C. Wilkerson

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