Aztalan Wis

July 24 1865

 

Dear Sister Martha

                                    Your letter mailed the 19^th reached me yesterday and I drop a hasty note in reply. I have now got all of my soldier business finished, am discharge, and have all my pay. It only remains to pack my trunk, visit with our relatives and then start for home. I shall not visit Mark & Amasa after hearing what you write respecting them. I am well and so are all here. I leave further news until I come.

 

I do not think I shall start for home before Aug 1^st but shall if possible. I was delayed at Madison longer than I anticipated which disarranged some of my plans.

 

After you get this you may cease writing to me as a letter would not reach me if I should start when I expect to.

 

I will write you when I start & at other times but shall not expect an answer.

 

Do not be concerned about visiting with me in thinking your business will hinder you, for we can find ample time for visiting and do business besides.

                                                                       

Your dear brother

John

 

[margin] Love to All

 

[verso]

 

Hooksett NH 8/19/89

                                    Probably there is a letter or two missing which tells of our ride from Shreveport to Cairo &c. I can only remember now our ride through Ill on July 4^th & a better celebration I never expect. Everybody shouted to us or waved their welcome & if we chanced to stop a little the people wanted to get us up a dinner. The boys—soldier fashion—were all over the train & were privileged to go everywhere. No man ever looked upon a happier band of men. They didn't shout—as I remember—so very much but all who knew them & the habits of the soldier could see a deep under-current that told of a feeling of joy. People miles across the prairies of Ill would wave to us & in one case a sheet swung from the chamber window. We went through Beloit Wis & at that place the town treated us to a splendid meal & the ladies vied with each other to help us.

 

            The Officers' swords I remember were thrown together in a pile & the curious examined them closely for the blood of the nicked Rebs. I think no event of note occurred in our transit from Shreveport to Cairo. Col Gill met us in Madison & rejoiced with us little realizing that his life must soon end in an insane asylum. And now many of these are silent in death. Of the Field & Staff Officers who like myself went in at the start & saw the thing through, I am the only survivor. A long, severe, terrible, impressive experience which ought to teach the nation to fear God & follow after right & thus avoid a similar judgment.

                       

JPD.

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