[Letterhead: Headquarters, Military Division of the Mississippi,

Office Provost Marshal General,]

                                                10 1/2 P.M.     [Nashville, Tenn.,] August 15^th [1864.]

 

My beloved brother.—

My stock of items to write from are pretty good, but I am getting very careless of late & my letters, even to Sarah, are very brief;—so make up your mind to only an apology of a letter.—I heartily congratulate you on the satisfactory state of your business; you will see the great benefit arising from it in a few months; it is far better to be a little pressed for money temporarily, (than) if by it, debts are avoided;—Keep them & the “blue Devils” off.—I don’t by any means succeed in doing it myself at all times or even often; it is an ever borrowing burning sore, to know boys, who were but schoolboys a short time since, get $125⁰⁰ a month, and I must get along as I do & consider myself favored at that; add the hearty wearisomness of the life I must live, and my spirits will sometimes get low. In a few days, I shall be in my third year, but yet it seems very, very long indeed, to count the twelve months off on ones finger ends.—whew!—

 

The letters I receive from Sarah are very encouraging & satisfactory,—especially on Sis account,/who appears to have gained much in health and strength. I am studying, how to contrive to have them with me this winter;—in a milder climate and with me, Emily would meet with no drawback; but with Board of $15⁰⁰ a week, it is a subject hard to make out, but I am not discouraged & to am considering the matter seriously. What do you think about it? Our Headquarters will remain here without doubt. I believe I can fetch it yet,—how different a life would it be to me to have my family with me. Very many enlisted men have their families here, who do not get more than the $16⁰ a month.—

 

Please take the June or July or August county money (whichever you may have on hand) to pay the Insurance due on the 28^th inst.—

 

I am very tired, John and it is best I wind this letter up, as it is dull as a meatax, any how.—Uncle Augustus writes very gloomy about his business & fears heavy losses.—

Ever

            Your affectionate brother

                                    Edward

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