Memphis Tennesee

                                                                                                            Dec 9^th 1862

 

Dear Miriam

                        I received your kind letter of the 24^th it was verry welcome although it contained unpleasant news I hope that by the time you received this letter you will be able to write me more favorable news I hope by the time you write again I may hear that Eddy and Ma will be restored to health. I know that you have averry hard time I sympathise with you in your troubles but keep up your spirits and put your trust and confidence in God as he is the only one that can help in time of need I am in the hospital yet the small pox is in Memphis there is anegro wench that is in the same building that has the hospital in it that has got the small / pox she is down in the lower story while our wards are in the second story I do not think there is any danger of me taking it. I want you to give yourself no unnecessary trouble about me as I am doing well. I have no doubt but that I will be permitted to return home in safety and if I should not I hope we all shall meet around the throne of God where parting is no more I am resolved to lead a virtuous and moral life while in the army at any rate dont be uneasy about me and that widow as I have no fancy for her and if I had I have too much respect for you to do anything improper I think that you might get some one to go up to the farm and get those hogs up instead of going yourself as it would to tiresome on you and I dont believe you could get them up any how be prudent dont try to do to much I think it would be well for you to hire agirl to help you / until Ma and Edy gets well anyhow There are fires in Memphis most every night. I am in hopes that it will be burned down as it nothing but asecession hole and the quicker it is destroyed the better it will be for our cause I was up to the prison this morning I see one man there walking down stairs with a chain and ball to his leg what his offence was I did not learn he was aunion soldier I heard this morning that there were guards put around ahouse to prevent the negroes being disturbed now what do you think of that I do not believe in white men acting as watches for negroes it looks a little too much like abolitionism to suit me. I expect that I had better quit as I wrote you along letter yesterday I will answer every letter that I get from you as soon as I get them when I received your first letter I was low spirited and cared nothing for myself or any / person that was with me I would have deserted if I had had aprovd opportunity but when I got your letter it revived me up and I was all right and am yet I want you to write to me verry often and you will get an answer every time I receive your letter When you write be particular and tell me how Edy and Ma are getting along all that I ask is that the lives of Eddy yourself and Ma may be preserved until I return Nothing more but remains your affectionate husband

                        H. B. Drake

 

Miriam. E. Drake

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