Camp 7^th Ill. Inf. V.V.

Louisville, K.Y. June 12^th/65

 

Dearest Etta,

                        I wrote to you from Washington and told you not to write again. I am afraid I shall have to recall that proposition for at present there is not much prospect of my comming home for a month yet. Why the citizens of K.Y. is are going to give us a dinner on the fourth of July, for which they will not receive many thanks from us, for we will be expected to perform a terrible march, in the heat and dust, with our uniform coats buttoned up close enough to almost smother a common man, just to gratify their curiosity and give them something to talk about, and all for a slice of raw beef. I do not apreciate such manifestations of their sympathy for the Soldier. It would please me much better if they would pay no attention to us at all, too much of one thing is good for nothing, it becomes old. /

 

Since we have arrived at Louisville we can find out nothing about what is to be done with us. They dont seem to be making any preparation to discharge us and I cant imagine what their object would be in keeping us now. we are a dead expence to the goverment and I should think they would want to get rid of us, but we must not get too impatient for they will send us off when they get ready I have no doubt.

 

            We have established our camp here, drawn camp and garrison equipage, the same as if we were going to remain here all summer and there are rumors afloat that the veterans are to be kept until fall, until evry other organisation is discharged, but I think it is without foundation. we may stay here a month, but I cant think they will keep us longer than that at most. I hope though you will continue to write again for it is very dull for one who takes but little interest in what is going on in and around the camps unless he receives something interesting from home or some other / quarter. It seems like a long time since I received a letter from any one and I find that I am growing anxious to hear from you especially My Dear Etta and I hope you will write as soon as possible. I shall write often while we are here and will let you know when we are about to start north. My letter is poorly written but I have been bothered so that I could scarcely write atall and you will have to overlook all deficiencies. I must now close but alow me to say that I feel that your prayers Dear Etta are following me ever, and that they mingled with my own will are ascending to the throne of the most high imploring the aid of the Almighty to enable me to resist the many temptations with which I am surrounded. If ever the Soldier needed the prayers of Christians, it is now and especially those encamped at or near this place. We are surrounded with more wickedness now than ever before. The vile tempter is here in evry shape conceivable to alure the soldier who is just in / the condition to be easily led from the path of duty and drag him down into the horrid depths of misery, shame and remorse, and Alas! For many have all ready fell victims to her cunning device. But Dear Etta I am yours and by the asistance of the Almighty I shall return to you with a caracter as bright and a conscience as clear as when I left.

 

            Farewell for the present Dear Etta. Think of me often and especially remember me in your prayers and not only me but evry Soldier.

 

            I am yours now and forever. Your loving

                                                                       

Henry

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