Fort Norfolk, Virginia, Jan. 14^th/63

 

Friend Euphemia, Your somewhat unexpected but welcome letter of Jan 1^st came to hand last Wednesday I did not expect an answer to my letters so soon, knowing that your health was very poor.

 

I am very sorry to hear your health improves so slow. I have no doubt that a change of climate would be beneficial. I have known the balmy breezes of the sunny South to restore health, when medical aid seemed useless. No thanks for the stamps. since we arived here we have had but little trouble in procuring all the stamps that was necessary, and we are blessed with many privilages that some portions of the army are deprived of. Your brother is enjoying good health and spirits, also those with whom you were acquainted from Hopewell

 

I am very greatful for your good wishes but the new year thus far has not been a verry happy one, for there is but little / pleasure in the army. the greatest pleasure a soldier sees is in hearing from loved ones at home. A few days since the ground was covered with snow one inch deep. it looked very natural and brought to mind the scenes of a more Northern clime. I am very thankful for your letters, and it was kind of you to write to me while you were so ill. I am afraid your kindness led you to exert yourself beyond your strength. although it is a great pleasure to receive a letter from you, I should be sorry to learn that your health had been injured by gratifying my wishes. To say that I take a deep intrest in your walfare is but to express that which I have long felt, and if I speak to you of love, will you be offended. I trust not for I can conceal the trouth no longer. I was favorably impressed with your appearance the first time I saw you, and, as I became acquainted with you, although our acquaintance has been but a limited one, that impression was formed into love, increasing with every hour of my existance until you have become as dear to me as my / own life. It is unecessary for me to tell you my position is humble, but not so are my asperations, and hopes, for I have dared to love you. I have not the gifts of fortune, the cruel war which now exists deprived me of the little wealth I once possesed, yet I am seeking what the wealth of the universe could not purchace from me, your love. This declaration is made in sincerity, and with the most honorable intentions. it is due to your gentleness and beauty, and to those charms, and virtues, which will last when beauty fades. Let me hope it will be received with kindness, if not with favor, and that you will pardon if you cannot reciprocate the sentiments of

Your most sincere and devoted friend

Russell F. Wright

 

To Miss Euphemia O. Gillet

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