Norfolk Virginia

Aug 4^th 1863

 

Friend Euphemia,

                                    As I have not written to you in some time, I take pleasure in pening a few lines at the present moment. I wrote to Charlie while he was at home and included a note to you, but I learned since he returned that he started back before it reached him. In the note I inclosed my photograph. I thought it was a poor likeness but I could do no better as there is but one house in Norfolk they are taken. If you wish it I will have a coppy taken from one Mrs Rhodes has which I think a much better picture. I received the one you sent by Charlie for which I shall be ever grateful. It looks so natural and lifelike that it seems as if it lacks but little of having the power of speech. All / the wealth of Calafornia could not purchase it. I have written so many times to you since you have been unable to write that I am sometimes afraid my letters will be looked upon as an intrusion, but I hope not, for I have taken pleasure in writing to you and feel confident that I shall soon receive a reply, for if all others should loose hopes of your recovery I never can while life remains, for something seems to tell me the remedy will be found that will affect a cure and I shall yet see you enjoying good health. but if it is the will of Heaven that it should be otherwise I trust I may be so happy as to meet you in a better world. I should like to mention many things, some of which I have long wished to tell you but I am afraid I have written already too much to one that is so sick. While Charlie was at home our regiment moved from Portsmouth to Norfolk and part of our company were stationed / at Camp Viele about two miles from the city and the remainder were stationed on picket posts from one to eight miles distant, where the time passed quite pleasantly for camp life. Several other companies were also sent a short distance from the city but they were all ordered back yesterday and we are now encamped on the academy grounds near the centre of the town.

 

Charlie is well and on duty tonight. the company is also enjoying general good health for the time of year. Charlie is anxious to hear from you as he has not heard from you since he was there. I take an intrest in the letters he receives from home, for through them is the only oppertunity I have of hearing from you. I trust the next may bring the welcome news that you are much better. Charlie told me you were intending to have a watch chain made for him of some of your hair, and would have one made for me if I wished it. I asure you I should prise it as a great treasure and will place / it with the likeness and carefully preserve them untill we meet agan, as a precious boon sacred to the memory of a friend I can never forget. Please give my compliments and good wishes to your parents and sister and accept the asurence of the kind regards of

Your Cincere Friend

Russell F. Wright

 

To Miss Euphemia O. Gillet

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