1863

                                                                                                Memphis Tennesee Mar 26^th

 

Dear Miriam

                        I received your letter yesterday containing the particulars of Eddys sickness and death amore severe blow could not have been dealt me than that, only the intelligence of your own death. There is only one thing that is anything like consolation to me on account of his death that is he has gone in the purity of childhood and did not live until he had reached the years of accountability and of sin he has gone from this world of trouble pure and innocent has left this world of trouble and there is no doubt but that he is now where sin and sorrow pain and death are felt and feared no more You talk like you were discouraged truly the loss of our boy is enough to discourage any person but you know that this is aworld of disappointments / and trials you must not grieve over his loss to much but put your trust in God he is able to support you in all trouble. It is said that the darkest hour is just before day pluck up courage there may be some happiness for you yet in this world. We are going to leave here in aday or two for Vicksburg it may be possible and I think it is verry likely that our brigade will be sent to Texas after the capture of Vicksburg which I think there is no doubt of this time I dont care if we do go to Texas as I will not be likely to get furloughed soon it may be that we will be sent to some place that would be aproper place for you to stay if we do you may come and stay with me if you want to. I heard this morning that we would go on board of aboat this afternoon at three oclock it may be so I do not know. Jimmy Hack / has sent for me to come and see him he is in the overton hospital at Memphis and I suppose is getting along well I will go and see him this afternoon if I can get out. We have signed the pay rolls again yesterday and it is likely we will be paid again before long if we are I will send you some more money I want you to use what money I send you for your own special benefit. Do not be discouraged on account of troubles as you and Ma are the only persons that make life endurable to me if you should be taken away I dont think that I would ever return to my native place again this is the third letter that I written to you in the last three days The health of the army at Memphis is pretty good now We now have nice bright weather it looks like May here you must excuse my uninteresting letter / this time when I write you again it may be that I can make my letter more interesting by giving you an account of our trip. I shall write to you again as soon as we get to our place of destination Tell Ma that I am in good health and will do all I can to make agood soldier I have allways had the name of being that so far Direct your letters to me as you have done before this as they will follow us up. Write verry often it may have atendency to cheer you up and make time pass more swiftly away I dont know how to advise you but am willing to leave it to your own judgment what to do but I think if Ma still keeps house it would be well enough for you to stay with her I think that the war will be over in six months and then I will be at home to take charge of things Your affectionate husband

 

Henry. B. Drake                      Miriam E. Drake

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