Athens, Ala. June 12^th 1864.

                                                                                   

Dearest Etta,

              I again have the pleasant opportunity of writing to you and I supose you think it is time, but Etta we are going to be dismounted and then I shall have plenty of time to write. I cannot say that I am sorry, though I regret to part with my horse he is such a pet and I love him so. we are ordered to the front and I supose before this letter reaches you I will be with the old second division on the right wing of Shermans Army. I am glad of it for we shall feel more at home and then perhaps we shall get some mail. our mail for the last three weeks is their. I have not rec^d a letter from any place for over three weeks. I come in last night boyant with the hope of geting some mail / I expected three or four letters but did not get one. Lieu. Atchinson got a letter containing the news of Mr. Moors death. it is a hard blow on Sam for he did not know that he was sick and has not heard direct from home in some time. he does not know what to do.

 

Dear Etta, I cannot write much to day if they keep on interupting me. it seems that nobody but Hoagland can do anything just now. if I was writing to any one else I would throw it in my valice and wait till tomorrow.

 

Dear Etta I will give you a leaf, or the contents of a leaf from my diary. it will show you that I think of you. I wrote it one evening while sitting under a large tree about a mile from camp.

           

June 6^th Twilight.

I have wandered from the noisy camp to this quiet spot to enjoy if possible an hour / of quiet and undisturbed musing. My thoughts wander unrestrained to my distant home in the praries and to the loved ones I have their. these are now the happiest moments of my life. here I can throw aside all restraint and enjoy without fear of interuption those sweet thoughts whitch force themselves upon my mind, thoughts of her for whose happiness I would sacrifice all things earthly, even life itself if necessary. is she thinking of me tonight, has she too drawn aside into some quiet nook to think of him who loves her so fondly. Oh I know that she loves me dearly and with that asurance I am happy, but what would my comrades say if they should see this. they would laugh at me but they shall not see it. I will now catch billy and return to camp before they miss me.

 

Dear Etta I shall have to bid you good buy for this time. do not be uneasy because I / am going to the front where the battles are fought, for I am in no more real danger their than here. write often Etta for time is a burthen to me when I cannot get letters.

 

so Farewell Dearest for this time.

                                                           

I remain your devoted lover

Henry.

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