Alton, Ills., Jan 15, 1863

 

My very dear Wife

            I have just read your charming letter of the 11^th, and cannot express to you how much pleasure it gave me. I owe you a hundred thousand kisses for your promptness in replying to my letters, and the expression of love and respect which they breathe. It is such a privilege, dearest, that although not permitted by circumstances to be together, we can write to each other. Oh how dear you are to me, love—more dear than ever before. I know I have loved you as devotedly since the first few weeks of our acquaintance, as ever a man loved a lady, and yet my affection for you surely increases every year.

 

            You write me that Lieut Smithson said the ladies here seemed to think as much of me as if I were single. I am not sure but they do, for they seem quite as willing to go to a concert or party with me as with the boys. They seem to regard me as an agreeable gentleman who enjoys the society of virtuous and refined ladies, and who knows how to treat them with respect. You know whether they judge me correctly. I have always been so regarded, I believe, by the ladies with whom / we associate at Marietta—especially those who have the best opportunity to know me. You think I write better love letters now than I did some years ago, and say if I were a single man what a splendid beau I would be for some young lady. I am glad you prize my letters so much, love, and can only attribute the improvement to deeper love I feel for you, and to my having had an opportunity, by mixing in good society of judging between true and fickle-minded people. I know how warm and pure your heart is, and that you are worthy of the devoted love I give you. If I were a single man, dearest, and you were single too, you of all the ladies I have ever met would be my choice, and your beau I would be. Oh, my darling wife, it is my most ardent wish that this unfortunate war may soon end—the Union be restored as as it was—and that I may get home to spend my days in happiness with you.

 

            I am in very good health, never enjoyed better. I hope my darling daughter has got entirely well again, and that you are all in good health. I expect another letter from you before you get this, and hope to hear of Emma's recovery.

 

            I have got a new suit very much like the one you saw Lieut. Smithson wearing, and a new sword, sash, sword-belt, etc. It is required by the regulations, and I live up to their requirements.

 

            Capt. Blasdel has been very sick with the mumps, but he is better now. Capt. M^cKitrick has recovered, and all the officers are in good health except Capt. Smith, who it said will resign, and Capt. Lutgen whose constitution seems to be broken down. I don't suppose either of them will do much more duty.

 

            Write me often, as you have been doing. Nothing gives me so much pleasure, in my absence from home, as reading and answering your charming letters. A thousand kisses for you and the dear children. My kind regards to all the friends.

                                                                       

Ever, dearest, yours.   A. W. M^cCormick.

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