[Letterhead: Headquarters, Military Division of the Mississippi,

Office Provost Marshal General,]

                                                                        [Nashville, Tenn.,] August 20 [1864.]

 

My dear John.—

                                    I omitted to mention an item in my letter of the 15^th, which I am reminded of by your’s of the same date (received on the 18^th);—namely, your going to New York, of which Sarah mentioned, you wrote to her about & desired to have her meet you there.—Of course, I shall be very glad to have you meet with them again;—I wrote to Sarah on the matter, but misunderstanding me, she seemed to think I was not in favor of it; that, without any needed explenation, will appear almost ridicolous.—My special interest in your going there, is to ask your assistance to see Sarah settled there for the winter. I have given the matter of bringing her here, the utmost scrutiny & come to the conclusion, not to do it, and for their wellfare’s sake, sacrifice my own happiness.—My intention is to procure two furnished rooms for them with board, unless Sarah prefers house keeping.—I have not yet written to her on the subject and hence, can not say anything definite, but leave the conclusion, until you can meet in Brooklyn. Of our Uncles assistance I/am assured of.—

 

            Please let me know, as soon as you know you are going to New York & I then will write more definitely.—I have been quite ill this week & in the Doctor’s hands,—a billious attack with diarrchea;—am better but not well.—

 

I knew nothing of mother’s birthday and should have honored the day by drinking half a dozen glasses of beer (if they do cost 15^cts each),—I am a teetotaller now—by necessity;—I have been thinking and wishing for some of your Bourbon N^o 1—$20 ⁰ a gallon would not buy it here.—

 

            We have had very heavy rains here this week.—

 

                        Love to sister Lona.—

                                    Affectionately

                                                Your brother

                                                                        Edward.—

 

Make the best you can

of this scribbling.—

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