Pulasky. Tenn. March 25^th 1864.

           

Dearest Etta,

                        As I had time and opportunity I thought I would write you a few lines. your right welcome letter was received a few days ago and read with feelings of great joy. I am sorry that I caused you so much anxiety but it could not be helped as you will see by my last letter if you have got it. I wrote the day after coming in of the march. you must not give yourself too much anxiety when you do not hear from me in a while for it may be so often, but while I am in camp I shall try and write often enough to make up for the time I miss while out.

 

I am happy to say that I am still well and enjoying myself as well as could be expected under the circumstances, whitch is not near as well as I could at home, but this war is not going to last always and perhaps my turn for enjoyment will come sometime / and it will be none the less for haveing to wait a long time. I can make myself happy for the present by looking ahead and anticipating the enjoyment of the future Dear Etta, when we shall tread lifes stony path together and help each other to bear the burthens of this world I can imagine that our happiness will be great. riches and weath I do not crave for with you by my side and Gods blessing upon us I shall be happier than a king on his throne. My prayer is Etta that we may both live to be united never again to be parted and that the lord will bless our union. Dearest Etta I would confide to no other but you the longings I have for this cruel war to end. a soldiers life I do not enjoy, though I feel it my duty to serve my country. I almost wish I had not reenlisted, but it is done now and cannot be helped and I must make the best of it. no one suspects that I regret it not even my mess mates who are with me all the time, and I would not have them to for a fortune or any one else (but you). /

 

You asked in your letter if I had my comission yet I have not and I may have to wait now untill next July for it, though Knoulton is expecting his resignation evry day there is some trouble about his getting it and he may have to serve his time out in the Company. I have no other duty to do but to drill recruits whitch takes four hours off of each day the rest I have to myself. I have received a scolding letter from home since I commenced this I guess I shall have to answer that to night yet and the boys have all gone to bed, so I shall bid you Good night.

                                               

I remain yours Dear Etta forever,

Henry.

 

May life be ever bright for thee,

And may the future bear

Within its hidden mystery

No secret weight of care.

With friends may all thy days be past

And may love light thy way

Till sweetly on thy sight at last

Shall break eternal day.

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