Head Quarters Army of the Potomac.

                                                                                    Culpepper, September 30^th, 1863.

 

My own darling Wife—

                                    I feel very tired, and I think I shall sleep very soundly. I went to a presentation of a sword to Gen^l Warren by the citizens of Cold Spring on the Hudson river, his native place. he made a speech in answer to the presentation speech in which he said that the labours of a soldier in the field were nothing when compared to the suffering derrived from being absent from their relatives and friends at home. I felt how truly I sympathized with him. Warren is in the same position as myself, he was married just after the battle of Chancellorsville, married one day, and left for the Army the next I long to see you so much my own sweet wife, but we must make ourselves as contented and happy as possible. this separation will not last for ever, and we both have a duty to perform, which when it is over will make us both the happier—although now it is very hard for us to bear. I am very well, and the only thing wanting to make me happy is yourself. I am very glad / your father is at home. It makes it so much more cheerful for you. I hope Cassie is getting stronger, and that she will entirely recover from her ailments, she certainly has been much better this summer than last.

 

I received on my return your nice letter of the 29^th. I think everything looks encouraging and I am in hopes before very long to be able to have you with me. If Rosecrans is able to hold Chattanooga till reinforcements reach him he will be all right. they are now well on their way, and I trust will arrive at the opportune time, and that good use will be made of them. I must confess I do not understand how things are managed in washington. it seems to me he ought to have been reinforced before this, and I trust some of Grants army are going to him—

 

I saw the rebel signal station on Clarkes Mountain from Gen’ Warrens Head Quarters, and also the position occupied by our troops at the battle of Cedar Mountain—

 

I am very glad to hear Frank is getting on so nicely, he has a splendid position, and now ought to be able to lay by something—You must be careful not to overtask yourself by your labours. you now have I am / afraid too much to do. You always write me such nice letters, and I do not want you to write when you are tired, or in your cold room and especially in the morning before you are dressed, now mind what I say, for you must take care, and not make yourself sick—My mess bill this month amounts to $56.00 I am going to try and cut it down this month to $40.00. My last month only amounted to $41.00 that is when I ran the mess. I do wish Tom could get something to do, I know it worries Ma, and I do not like her to have that feeling on her mind, it is very bad for her with her nervous temperament. I must write to her to morrow, but my mind is so unsettled all the time I hate to write although I do like to send you nice long letters, and I only wish I could make them twice as long and as entertaining. Gertrude I do love you so much, and I feel I have such a good sweet wife. May God bless us both and take care of us during this separation, and give us strength to do our duty. I know I am not what I ought to be and I only hope I may each day become better I am sure there is no real happiness without being good. I am now going to bed, and / will add a line in the morning. Good night my own dear sweet wife.

 

October 1^st, 1863. My own darling wife, I envy John W. his position very much. I would give anything to be settled in life with you I wonder what John will do. I do not believe he will care to go back to the law and it is very difficult to decide what to do as one has the choice of such few things.

 

Markus gets along very nicely. I think he looks better since he has been here. All is quiet & there is nothing new of any kind, description or sort. it is terribly monotonous in Camp—John Minor Botts went with Gen^l Meade to the sword presentation yesterday. I do not know what the rebels will say to him if they again should occupy this country. I must bid you good Bye my own dear wife. Give my love to Ma, Katy, Your father & all & wish a heart full of love for yourself

 

                                                            I am for ever

                                                                        Your devoted

                                                                                    husband

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