N. Stonington Dec. 9^th 1864.

            My Dear Dear Court:—

Your letter and commission I have just received, and I was truly glad to get them but I feel a little insulted because you told me to take good care of your Commission for when did I ever fail to take good care of anything that belongs to you? I am going to get it framed as soon as I can go to Westerly. I am so sorry you could not come home. If it had not been for Butler the “Beast” you might have come. I see he disapproved it. Well I’ll forgive him if he won’t fight any this winter. I expected it would cost a good deal to get your outfit but/I want you to appear as well as any of the officers and you can do that and then save a great deal. How I should like to see you when you are dressed as an officer with your sword. Would you kiss me? Wont that be a happy day? when you come home won’t we be happy?

I saw Erastus Brown the other day. He said you did not sell the coat I sent you, but John Brown said he believed you did. I guess you did. you may tell me in your next.

My Darling, Mamie has been sick this week all the week untill to-day. I am quite well but very weak. Mother S took good care of me, but I have wanted to see Court so bad. I want to see you more and more every day I don’t see how I can/wait nine months but if you are spared I will be patient Court I begin to have faith that my prayers do avail something, for I pray for you every day and you seem to succeed. I don’t pretend to be good, but I know that no one but God can protect you and it seems to me that I can never be thankful enough if that day ever comes that sees you safe at home with me.

I wish Court we could save enough out of this war to buy us a little place in some village where you could work at your trade for painting don’t amount to much in the country, not but what I am willing to live anywhere if I could only be with you, but Mother Stanton has suggested that idea, and seems to think it is the best thing we could do, and/you know if you got tired of painting you could come back on the farm any time. but I will leave this for your consideration and better judgment.

It is very sickly about here now Frank Stanton is very sick with the diptheria, and there has been a great many deaths.

Ed is teaching school this winter and he rode home with Tom Clark a few days ago. He spoke of your promotion and seemed to be very much pleased about it Ed said. I saw David Wheeler a few days ago too. He inquired after you very particularly. I told him you had got your commission. He appeared very glad, said he looked for your vote this fall but did not find it. I told him I thought you voted. Well I must close. Mother sends love and Mamie loves you all the time

                                                            Write often

                                                                                    Mary L. Stanton