Camp Near Point of Rocks Va.

Sept 11^th 1864           

 

Dear Phemia

                        Your kind and affectionate letter of the 6^th inst. reached me on the 9^th which was a little shorter time than usual on the way. How glad I am to hear from you so regular every week, and I am so thankful to know that you still remain well as usual and continue to improve in health, which I earnestly hope may be the case dear Phemia, until you are blessed with vigorous health. How glad I should be to return from the war and find you well as when I first saw you. there is nothing that would give me more pleasure, and I feel as if we have good grounds for hoping that this will be the case, for you seem to be so much better than when I last saw you. You are correct in thinking I had rather receive a "short letter" than not to receive one every week. I had rather receive them often as usual if there / if there is no more than two lines in them, or just enough to inform  me how you are. but I always prefer a long one when it is convenient. I am sorry to hear you are disappointed by not having the company of your Aunt on your journey home, but I hope you may be benefited by staying another month. Have you seen any of your folks since you went to Maine. If not I presume you look forward with some pleasure to the time when you will be ready to return. and I presume your friends is equaly as anxious for the time to arive and will be very happy to see you so much better than you were when you left them. How often I think of you and wish I could see you, if it was only for a few moments, since your health has improved. I left you so weak and sick and so little to encourage you. God only knows how I pittied you and how much of a trial it was to leave you under such circumstances. But I feel that it is one of Heavens most choice blessings to know that you are better, if I am not permited to see / you. But I hope the day is not far distant when we may meet again. I can then talk on some subjects better than write them. I will then tell you where, and when, I saw you in imagination. If I undertake to tell you in writing you may think I am superstitious, and if you accuse me of superstition when I give you a verbal account of it, I do not know as I should have any reason to deny the charge. Our duty is still the same as when I wrote last. I cannot tell how long we shall be permitted to enjoy our present location, but I feel as if it had already been quite a relief to us in coming here. There is some talk of breaking up the 18^th Corps and sending it to different points. I cannot tell if it is true or mearly a flying report, but I think present prospects favors the assertion. Charlie and the Hopewell boys are enjoying usual good health. Charlie is indeed quite busy, but he says he intends to write to you soon. Lt. Evenden was taken sick when our Regt. first landed at White House Landing. He went to the hospital / and has not been with the company since. When the regiment was in the engagement at Druries Bluff, he was not with it, as he was detailed for picket the night before the regiment left their camp. he has therefore never been in any regular engagement. I understood he went home on a furlow and sent in his resignation from that place. Our situation here is the same as when I wrote last, or no changes worth relating. C. P. Knapp is in the hospital and has been for some time, but he is better, and I think will be able to return to his company in a few days. I am very grateful dear Phemia for your kind wishes for my future happiness. I am aware that there is a happiness to be enjoyed in manhood as pure and more deep and lasting than childish pleasures. And I am also aware that men find friends in whom they feel a deeper intrest and a more lasting and tender affection than they ever could feel toards their brothers and sisters. Will it be my lot to pass a portion of my future time with such a friend. If so I should be persuaded to believe that I would yet see a quiet happiness that would far exceed my childish enjoyments. But God and time must answer the question. My earnest prayr is that Heaven may bless you my little Queen, and watch over you through all the journey of life.                                                                 

 

Affectionately

Russell F. Wright

 

To Euphemia O. Gillet                                                                       

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