Johnstown Pa. May 11^th 1864

                                                                                                            Wednesday Morning

 

My Friend Frank.

                        Your welcome letter was received yesterday. I should have written today whether you had written or not, for I had understood that none of the soldiers would be permitted to write for the next sixty days. But I am gratified to learn that it does not extend to all. The news at present is quite encouraging. I only hope that this campaign may close this “cruel war.” When I read the accounts of the many who are wounded, I think, oh, if only I were well enough to go and help to nurse and tend to the brave boys. I would want no better employment, or crave no higher reward than the blessing/of the poor suffering soldiers. I have often wished that I lived in Washington or Philadelphia or some of those places where there are hospitals established, that I might then go and administer consolation to some drooping, suffering heart, by cheering words, or by communicating with friends for them.

 

But that does not appear to be my duty, or there would have been a way opened for me. It seems to be mine to write words of cheer , and offer up prayers to a throne of grace and I will try to do my duty faithfully in the sight of good God.

 

As the bright sun is now breaking out from behind the clouds which have observed it all the morning, so I hope and trust that the sun of peace may soon shine down upon our beloved country to be observed no more forever. Spring has clothed the earth in a beautiful suit of green, and soon/our cottage—you remember it—will be covered with green, and—well, I shant carry on the comparison to the inmates.

You say I do not appear like a stranger to you, and neither I am, for have we not been acquainted for more than a year now—a year last February.

 

            When you come in and get seated in the “arm-chair”, you will find that I will chat as fast to you as to that other gentleman with whom I have been acquainted for several years. Do you a young man in the city by the name of G. R. Bolan? Mr. Dick Jones sends his respects, and says he would like to see you very much. Dick has got to be quite a fine young man. He joined the Temple a short time ago. Do you know his brothers? We are all in usual health Hoping that you may find that peace which passeth all understanding, I will close.  Ever your friend M. E. Bowen.

SOURCES