Sunday, Aug the 30, /63

No 21.

Camped near Black river

 

Dear Mollie,

I received a letter from you the 28, or rather 2, one the 2, the other the 17. I was glad to hear that you was well, but rather surprised to hear of Joseys being sick. I hope she will get along without much sickness. I think John & her are doing prety well for their country, but would do beter if they would have boys. I should think Josa had had lessons enough from you that she might raise boys young soldiers, for I think our country demands it. I hope she will do beter in the future. I am very sory to hear that Mrs. Herick is so badly hurt, poor woman she has a greadeal of trouble & loosing her crops makes it still worse for her. if the neighbors dont / make up the corn that she lost they ought to be run out of the country, for she must be very needy.

 

I wrote you a letter the 26 & receiving one the 28 I thought I would write a fiew lines to day. my health is improving Landon is geting better & so is Vrooman the boys are improving generaly. the weather has been cool for several days & the nights are cold, so much so that we sleep with two blankets over us. if the weather should stay as cool as it now is I think the health of the soldiers would improve very fast. we have some good news this morning, I heard that Fort Sumpter was taken I hope it is true if it is it will give the rebellion another hard blow. a fiew more & they must give up. I think it will be seteled between this & spring. if it should be there will be many a glad heart that now are filled with grief & sorow. /

 

I heard from Charles Rogers the other day. he is at St. Louis. he is geting better. he says he is going to Iowa. they are sending all the sick to their own state. the boys that are geting their discharge have not started yet. they they expect their papers every day. I understand that Don has the nomination for State Senitor. if that be the case, I hope he will be elected & do justice to his state so far as he can, & I have no doubt but he will.

 

I dont no as I have much more to write this time. tell Josa not to think hard of what I have writen. I must joke her a litle. may this find you all well & harty. we expect our pay this week. no more this time. my respects to all who may inquire.

                                                                                   

From Oliver to Mollie C Shibly

                                                                                                           

Good by /

 

Mary in your last letter I have notised that you have some trouble with Josa, at least I think so. now Mary, if you have I want you should write to me just as it is & perhaps I can help you out of your trouble. you spoke of keeping house. I think that would be as bad for you to get along as it is now. it is true you could have the children with you but you would have everything to do & to buy, & that would be hard work, but you must do as you think best, & be careful of your health

 

[upside down]

 

you spoke of going to Illinois this fall. if you do I would try & get along if I could. I am in hopes to get home next spring & then we can enjoy ourselves once more, which I think we will know how to apreciate. good by, my dear mollie         Oliver

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