N. Stonington Jan. 12^th 1865

My Darling—

I last night received your letter containing the pictures and if ever I was glad to receive a letter it was then. and now Court I beg of you, if you love me, never to neglect me so long again. I know I have been very negligent many times, and even now. I have not written in a long time, but it was not altogether neglect, for I have been waiting to get a letter from you. I will try and do better in future and I know you will but whether I write or not you know that I am all safe any time, but when you do not write for a long time, you don’t know how much I am troubled about you. I never think/you have forgotten yo me, for I know you would not do that, but I am afraid you are sick or dead or fighting or something else very bad, and I am sure you must know that although I may not write, yet you are never out of my mind for one single moment. Do write often if you love me. I have received the pictures, and I think one of them is very good. although you say they do not look like you. I think you look a little older, more like a man as mother Stanton says. Any way if you look any better than the picture does you must be a very handsome man, for I think the picture is handsome It is next to seeing you, but I believe if it were possible I do want to see you now more/than ever. How I do hope you can get a furlough. For heaven’s sake and my sake get one if you can, for I can’t stand it more than a month longer can you? I should think old Butler might give you one, and if Capt. Cook could go home I know you could. Darling Court I do want to see you so I am most dead. I would kiss you and love you to death. After your time is out and you are safe home with me, if you ever mention going off to leave me again, to stay no longer than a week. I will tie you up and if I can’t do it I will get some one to help me but you won’t go off and leave me again will you? You have got whiskers haven’t you? Oh! dear how I do want to see you./

I am glad you have got through moving. I hope the next you make will be towards home I am glad your division did not go to Wilmington. Hope you may not have to fight.

Mrs Dunham wanted me to ask you if there was a J. Dunham in Co. D. she saw the death of one J. Dunham of Co. D. 21^st C.V. in the paper. He died in Florence S.C. and she thinks it is John, so you can tell me in your next. I want to know if I shall get my bounty money since you are promoted. some say I do and some say I do not. Don’t fail to tell me in your next for I want to know whether to go after it or not. I don’t know whether I must direct to the regiment or not. I am such a fool I can’t understand anything unless it is very plain. Write soon and don’t fail to get a furlough. Mother sends love

                                                Excuse penmanship   

                                                                                    Mary.