First page,

Well Mary seeing the evenings are so long, I thought I would write alitle. it is very pleasent, the snow is all gone & the moon shines bright. some 15 or 20 boys from our regiment have gone to a dance to night about 5 miles from here. I would have went with them but I must be here to play the tatoo. they say thare is some 10 girls thare. they will have a fine time if the rebs dont take them in, & I think they wont for the most of them went armed. I have forgoten wether I told you or not that the 9 had nearly all reinlisted, they have become veterans, the same with the 4 Iowa & the 76 Ohio. /

 

2 page

Well Mary I heard sad news to night, Cap Evans got a letter from home to day, writen the 11, stating that Don was dead. I am sory to hear such news. it will be hard for his friends to part with him & more so his famely. Mary, I feel sory for her she never has had much plasure living with him. they lived together but a short time before he went to war & I know she did not enjoy herself while he was gone. O this cruel war when will it end, many have fallen, & I am afraid many more will before it is over, but I will not dwell on that subject. well it is 9 oclock & I cant write much more for my eyes are rather weak. you can direct your letters to Nashville Tenn. I dont no as your letters will come eny quicker but the most of the boys have theirs sent thare. no more so good night.

 

January 20

good morning to you all. I am well & hope you are. this is a very pleasent morning & the sun is just rising above the trees. it reminds me of a fine spring morning in Iowa when the perrarie chickens begin to coo, then is the time when I like the perraries. you wanted to know whare our Fst Lieut was time the fight, he was with the company but had not got his comision. he was mustered at bridgeport on our return. well Mary I dont no but I ought to number this or you will get the start of me, but I will let it go this time. you send two many letters in one envelop I will close by biding you good by

 

you cant complain of a short letter this time

                                                                                   

From Oliver to Mollie

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