[Letterhead: Headquarters, Military Division of the Mississippi,

Office Provost Marshal General,]

                                                                        [Nashville, Tenn.,] August 15^th [1864.]

 

Dear Sister Lona.

                                    The reply to your very cheerful letter of July 26^th was delayed by an absence of several days to Huntsville, Ala, whither I had gone on business for our Office & the pressure of business after my return. I have a strong desire to Keep on sending Envelopes to you, as they come back so well filled & it is I who find it difficult to repay your trouble, by anything like an interresting epistle; for I have lost much of that zest in corresponding, I had in the past though never tired of receiving letters.—My mind is so fully occupied with my work & with thoughts of home & that “nest of Birds”, that I do but little in gathering items of interest for correspondence, as I once did, so dear Lona take it as it “may come”.—I would, I/had that confidence in a speedy ending of this war, as many seem to possess; nothing can be definitely judged in that matter, but is the opinion of a far-famed General in the field, that it will last some time yet and a general Draft, to obtain the necessary men to crush the Rebellion, will have to take place.—

 

Col. Marsh was in the city last week to have his false teeth repaired; he looks very much broken down & will not be able to hold out much longer; he intends to resign soon at any rate; he returned to the Regiment on Thursday.

 

            I have not seen Miss N. Patterson for some time; when I then met her in the streets,—she mentioned, that she thought of going home soon;—I think, that “Colonel” she is hunting after, has not got his commission yet.—

 

I visited Mr. & Mrs. Woodruff yesterday and found an addition to their family/of “a four week old”; it is a girl and a very pretty, wide awake baby it is; you’ll believe it, for you know I am an excellent judge of that kind of “animals”.—Miss Carrie Woodruff is also here & has been for several weeks; it is the first time I knew of it, however; she is much improved in her appearance & presents a fine young lady.—

 

I cannot help thinking of Rockford, since my “twin brother” is there & withall, he has a “wify” who has no little share of true esteem and love and draws my thoughts to that Western Garden “Rockford”;—but “where the treasure is, there is the heart also”, and oh! Lona, they (those Birds) are my treasures and I dream of them by day & by night; every day adds to the burden of home sickness and longings “to be free”, that I can be with them.—I hear very regurlarly/from them, for my good wife writes frequent. She wrote in her last “that Emily never had enjoyed better health,—is growing strong & has overcome those whining spells that she occassionally had; as for Charley, he is a rough and tumble boy & full of animal life and enjoyment;—a summer’s life among the New Hampshire Hills is proving benefecial to them all.—

 

Aunt Ellen never forgets to write me a few lines, & her last was dated the 7^th inst.—all enjoy the best of health and spirits.—I can not say, that I am in first rate health,—confine myself too much in the house and lack cheerful company to wear away the solitary & lonely feelings,--that who will creep in the heart in spite of all “resolutions” to drive them off.—

 

Please remember me kindly to all the members of your family; Mrs Frank Cunningham, of course, as well & also grandma Cunningham.—

Farewell, Lona;—Keep on writing to me, at least occasionally;—Keep that “man John” from getting the blues as much as possible.—God bless you in your happy domestic relations & may shadows & sorrows be far distant from your “home.”—

 

Ever Your affectionate brother

                                    Edward.

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