Johnstown, Oct 31^st 1864

                                                                                   Monday Morning

 

My Friend Frank,

                                    As I was coming home from class-meeting yesterday, I called at the office and received your welcome letter.

 

I was very glad to hear from you, but am sorry to learn of your misfortune. I wonder if you are as much provoked as a friend of mine here was. He had like you, gone through a three-years campaign without receiving a scratch, and then, just after coming home, was awkward enough to wound himself slightly with a gun. My, but he was provoked about it. I am, perhaps, a little selfish in being sorry for your misfortune, as it will/keep you longer away from Johnstown.

 

I had hoped to have seen my correspondent long ere this. I was in hopes you would have come about two weeks ago, when my most intimate friend, Madge Elson of Iowa, was here. I was anxious that she should see you, as she has always been duly impressed of all my correspondents and intimate friends. We have been separated for eleven years, still, there is not one among my friends knows more of my history than she does. For three days after she came, we just talked straight ahead. I am afraid if you had been here then, that you would have not received as much attention as you deserved, for I neglected every one else for my darling Madge. She has now gone to Westmoreland to visit some friends there, but I am looking for her back this week for a few days again. But I will tire you sounding the praises of my favorite, but I love her so much, that I could converse about her all the time./

 

And now I want you to hurry up and get that wound healed so that you can travel, and then we will help you to nurse it up until it gets entirely well. You can either have the arm-chair or the lounge whichever would suit you best. I know Anna would be very glad to see you. She was visiting in Altoona at the time you left the army, and when she left, she gave me orders to send for her if you should come. My  parents, also, would be much pleased to see you; they always want to know how Frank is when the letters come.

 

Yesterday I was thinking of you, and wondering if you had any thoughts of uniting with the church, and using the means required to become a true christian. Iwould love to talk to you on that subject sometime. My own faith lately has been sorely tried, but the more temptations I have, the more I feel like remaining firm. But, although I could write much more, I must close. Write as often as you feel like it, and I will reply at once, for you will feel lonesome, I expect. Do not fear you will tire me for I never find fault with my friends for writing too often to me, especially if they are sick and lonesome. Did you get the letter which I sent to W^msport for you? With many kind wishes and much sympathy with you in your affliction I am still your friend            Mollie

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