Alton, Ill, Jan 9, 1863

 

My Dear Wife

            I got one of your letters last night, and another this morning, and was very glad to hear that you were all well but Frank, and that he is better. I hope he will be entirely well soon. I feel sorry that I am not to have the pleasure of your presence here this winter, but I am not prepared to say that your decision to remain at home is not the wisest thing you could have done. It is true, we could have been so happy together, dearest, but—as you say—fate seemed to be against us this case. We could not live here as we would wish to without plenty of money, and as I did not get paid, it is rather scarce with us at present. You say you will cheer me up with frequent letters. Yes, darling, you have written me so many sweet letters since I left home the last time that I love you more than ever. I think I was the most fortunate man in getting a dear darling sweet wife in the world. No man could / love his wife better than I do mine, and I am sure, my darling, no lady is worthier of devoted love. Oh! how happy I am in the possession of such good sweet wife. Dearest I would not exchange places with a prince. Sister Elisabeth little knows the pleasure I take in reading your letters and looking at your picture, and the children's, or she could not deem me unhappy. Oh what would I not give to have you here with me if I felt that it would be safe to have you come where the Small Pox is. You know how happy I am in your arms, love, and how dear your sweet kisses are to me. How I would like to be with you to-night. Still I am happy in contemplation of the good time coming, when I shall be at home with you again, enjoying all the sweets of domestic bliss.

 

            You need have no fears on my account. I take good care of my health, and a man with a good constitution and temperate habits will not be so likely to take diseases as others.

 

            You say it is too bad to tell the ladies I am married and have a family—as you wanted to see how many of them would fall in love with me. I don't think it makes much difference to the ladies here whether a man is married or not—he is treated with courtesy and respect, if he is a gentleman. Some of the unmarried officers of the 77^th say they believe the ladies pay more attention to me than to them, and say they will tell my wife, how I am gallanting pretty girls around in Alton. But they can't scare me much that way as I tell them my wife has to much sense and too much confidence in me to be jealous. Good bye, love, for to-night.           

AWM

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