[Letterhead: Post Quartermaster’s Office,

                                                                                    Nashville, Tenn.,] May 3^d [1865.]

 

My dear brother.—

                                    Taking for granted, that everything moves with its accustomed regularity with you & that items of news are not of importance enough to write a letter for to me (you owe me an answer to my last of April—), I will not wait for it & write a few lines.—

 

            The commencement of intrenchment of War expenses in all Departments of the Government & the bright and cheering prospect of being soon discharged from the service, fully occupies my mind in regard to my settling for the future. I do not intend to bother you with my plans, for I have come to the safe conclusion that if nothing definite comes up before the time, it will come then & I patiently wait for it, hoping for the best.—My present aim must be, where to meet my family. I know you will say, “he ought to know, he can come to our house until he gets time to settle”. Yes, I know that, John, for I know, your & Lona’s intentions & feelings towards us, are of the friendliest nature. At the same time I also consider, that your house is small/and to accommodate us, may disaccomodate Lona.—The time would be but very short, that I would ask the room, but even then it is best to know, that all will be agreeable.—Should I get mustered out sooner than the prospects now are (about the 1^st of June), I would be there before Sarah could arrive & in that case, I would leave her where she is, until I was fully ready for her;—should the time extend itself until July or August, I would have her there by the time I would arrive.

 

            Our Department (Post Q.M.) has already undergone changes by transferring Wagon, Harness & other Shops and discharging many men. It will be but a short time before the whole of it will be broken up. Should it be done before I get away & a change is necessary, I shall join the 74^th, if it is here & will remain here,—which is very likely to be the case. I have been at their Camp several times since they arrived here; their location (some 5 miles out) is very pleasant & they have a fine Camp.—To get home has a cheering effect on the men & they are all in lively anticipation of its early realization.—

 

            I have seen but one Rockford Paper since I left there,—but have heard of the large fire, which/occured there.—Tell Jerome Roberts, that I received his letter & will answer in a few days, unless I find, that I can do so verbally in a short time.—From Sarah I heard up to April 24^th. She was at Hudson, N.H. and feeling well;—intends to remain there for a few weeks, unless a change with me, warrants a deviation from the present plan.—

            Myself am doing well & in usual health.

                        Answer this as soon as convenient. With love to Lona, I trust soon to he meet you again.—

                                                                                    Edward.—

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