Camp Lesley

                                                                                    Washington            March 17^th 1862

                       

                                    To My Friend Agnes

 

It is now monday morning 2 oclock I have been up all night packing up and writing to my friends and now in turn you are dearly remembered by me we expect to march to day or to morrow at furtherest our destination it is generally thought is down the potomac and thence to roanoke where we will join General Burnsides but I am not certain of the fact

 

I received your kind and much respected letter a day or two ago and with it your likeness. it was gratefully received by me and it shall be kept as a memorial of our friendship as long as I live but Agnes/but life shows its self very uncertain at the present. I should be happy to send you mine in return but since I received yours we received marching orders and I could not get out of camp to have mine taken I am very sorry to for I wished to fulfil my promise to you but as I cannot under the present circumstances it is my wish that you will not think hard of me for not sending you mine but if I ever get where I can get it taken you shall have it

I was over to visit the 5^th regiment on last sunday I seen your brother and had a long talk with him I felt quite pleased with him and he did not appear to me like a stranger though he was he looks very healthy and looks just like you. well Agnes you/

 

            think now you love home well you may and I am very glad to hear you say you love your mother for I think your mother is worthy of all your love. since I have been thrown out on this unfriendly world I never before or since stoped at any place that seemed so much like home as it did during the short time that I was boarding with your mother I often think how much it seemed like my own home when I yet had one but, alas, my own home is gone and from my friends I am now parted shall I ever see them this question I cannot answer but may god spare my life is the hope of your friend Frank and his only hope now agnes be faithful to gods word read it much study it and live in the fear of god is the wish of your friend Frank/

 

I want you to see cousin mary and tell her that I saw John he is well and give her my love when you see Maggie give her my best wishes and a kiss for me tell her I well remember those beautiful curls and rosy cheeks give my respects to to Kate and tell her I hope she may enjoy all the blessings of good health I am going to send you a lock of my hair and you may give Maggie part of it if you wish

 

now my Dear friend I am going to close and if this is the last you ever hear from me remember though our acquaintence was short yet it was true with these few lines I send my warmest wishes for your future welfare may god bless you and may his spirit guide you is my hope my love to your good mother to your little brother and your ant

remembering your share is a large one direct Washington as be fore and I may get your letter

 

                                                            From your ever true Friend

please escuse                           Francis C Miller to Agnes

my bad writing                                                fare well

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