[Letterhead: Headquarters, Military Division of the Mississippi,

Office Provost Marshal General,]

                                                                        [Nashville, Tenn.,] October 6^th [1864.]

 

My dear brother.—

Enclosed Pass is my reply to your question “if I really want to see you!” Sentimental expressions are not wanted,—the feelings & wishes of the heart speak with us in actions.—To the enquiry, whether I think “it would pay you to visit Nashville” I can give no definite reply. Nashville is a military Post, with vast Depots, filled with Supplies,—Hospitals, worth any one’s visit, if interrested in them,—and scores of items belonging to such an extensive “Base of Supplies”.—If a visit South & to get away a little while” wont pay you, I am mistaken.—I offer you a good, clean bed,—enough to eat (such as it is) & will try to make the visit pleasant to you.—A trip to the 74^th now at Chattanooga is not among the impossibilities.—If you return home dissappointed, the fault shall not be mine.—

 

I regret to hear of Cole’s state of health and have feared that result from all I could learn about him.—Remember me to him.—/I saw Andrews the day I left Chicago (May 13); he then clerked for Palmer on Lake St; refused to pay the $1⁰ Note & I tore it up & made him a present of the Debt (not very graciously however, I assure you,—for he lied so about it).—He is gone;—his family will miss him and—“Little Mac” will loose one vote.—

 

Should you come, you will, of course, give me notice, that I may be on hand at the Depot.—Take as little Baggage as possible.—All I ask you to bring for me is: “50 Sugar Coated Cathartic Pills” and one box of good Cigars; the latter I want for Stockdale who is fond of a good Cigar & worthy of a little attention of that kind from me.—Of his own accord he offered me a furlough in course of the winter.—I enclose an note to the Military Conductor you may come with, to take care of you; if I know before hand the day you’ll come on the Louisville & Nashville Road, I’ll arrange matter with him myself.—All I have to say to you is—come & run the risk of the trip paying for itself.—

 

                        Your affectionate brother

                                                Edward.—

Much love to Lona.—

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