Quartermaster's Office.

Camp of 29^th, Wis. Vol.

Near New Orleans La. May 29^th 1865.

 

Dear Sister Martha,

                                    I sent a letter home this morning, but I want to show you how much I am interested in the letter you sent me to-day by answering it immediately. You of course know that what in your letter I speak of as being of so much interest is the part relating to Bell's affairs. I regret I think as much as you my absence on matters like this, for unlike most matters such is hard to write about because our feelings are very poorly expressed by writing. And first let me say that I think you ought to have let me known about such affairs on the start, that my opinion may the better be formed, and that my opinion may be given. In your letter you tell me of occurrences that have been settled, but still about the same as ask my opinion in the matter. Next to my duty to my God I place my duty to my home, and next to my affections to Him comes those for my home. I have none else to love, none else to care for, and so you must think that whatever determines the destiny of my sisters is of vital interest to me. Besides this affection I have for my sisters and motive to their good, consider for yourselves if I am competent to judge in such matters. It is a matter that I have had considerable experience personally in, and you must admit I have seen a little of this world and can form some opinion of human nature generally. If your argument for not keeping me posted in such matters is, that you do as I have done, I will say, that to my mind prudential reasons have always kept my affairs in this line still, and that now they are removed I will when home frankly tell any and all of my sisters all they wish / to know about me in this respect. Do never keep troublesome news from me for fear it will trouble me, for I have become perfectly hardened to all trouble and am willing to meet if God wills it all this world can scare up.

 

            In this respect I believe you will find a great change in me. The Army is a great place to learn patience.

 

            I just laugh now at the many troubles about the common haps of life I used to have. Now of this matter of Bell's I of course cannot express much about person I do not know, yet Mr. Wells from the statement you gave seems to be a far better man than the others, that is a man of better character. But here is what I am down on always and forever, and that is forming an engagement where the acquaintance is limited to a few months, when both parties know little or nothing of the fitness of one for the other. I would not marry a lady untill I knew her, knew considerable of her disposition & character generally, if permitted to select from the whole world. It is very wrong and hazardous for two or one to hastily and inconsiderately rush into so sacred a matter. Moreover I object to Bell's marrying so young. Twenty is early enough for a lady, Cannot she defer all certain steps in this a few months & until I get home and express my opinion? I would not give much for a person's love who could not afford to consider the matter well. Bell is not obliged to give a yes at the first wink of [?]. I will think of it &c, will prolong the matter to a fair consideration usually. Now I beg of you to take no decisive steps in this until I come, which may be in a few weeks. And above all things be true in such matters. Never deceive, or pretend what you are not willing to stand to. Never trifle with anyone's affections; respecting love in all & give it always / strict discretion & moderation. There is honor in saying you never was engaged but once, or counted a dozen or more.

 

            I trust I may soon have the satisfaction of making the "walls of the old house ring", of putting my arms around the necks of my dear sisters and covering their cheeks with what I believe I have not given since in the army—Kisses. And I hope and pray this joyful meeting is not to be chilled by an inconsiderate and bad engagement.

 

I do not get a letter from Eddie often and did not know of Fannie's sickness. I am very sorry for them. It must be very hard for Mr & Mrs Wright to part with their daughter at this age of her life. To-day I heard through Beedy whom I saw at town of Ch^s Lyman's & Boyce's flush outs. It is no more than I expected from Lyman. In the West his friends used to brag much on his success & put great emphasis upon the high estimation Memphis people had of him. And when I went to Memphis & saw what a sesesh hole it was I made up my mind that Mr. L— was not sound on the Flag. When you see an old sesesh & a Yankee arm in arm look out for a dry dodge somewhere. I had quite a visit with Mr. Beedy to-day. He is well. I also met Adams Kellogg, who you remember was a merchant in M—. He is now sutler to the 7^th V^t. He knew me at first sight so you may guess I have not changed much.

 

            All are abed now I must close. An orderly outside calls for Col Hancock; new orders I warrant, yes. The Col. being abed I took the orders to him with the light & he read what amounted to this. Draw for your command ten days rations, ten days forage & 100 rounds of ammunition per man & take them to the wharf in N.O. & hold yourself in readiness for morning at a moment's notice. We understand this to mean that we shall probably go up Red river in a few days to take / charge of some of the property &c surrendered by Kirby Smith. I expect then that we shall be likely to go to Shreveport on Red river soon, what we attempted a little over a year ago, but which now we can do unhindered. I do not expect a single shot will be fired if we go, or that we shall be likely to get out of the service much sooner if any by staying here. Our job is a light, easy and short one.

           

Love to each & all—

                                               

Your dear brother

John

 

Direct Lt J.P.D. &c. 29^th Wis. 1^st Brig 1^st Div. 13 A.C.

Department Trans. Miss.

Via Cairo Ill

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