Helena Arkansas Jan 4^th 1863

 

Dear Malvina

                                    This morning I set down to write you a few liens hoping they may finde you all well as for my selfe I have been of late troubaled with the Neuralgia in my head and jaws I have no doupt you remember how I used to be afflicted with the same diseas while in Minnesota I have suffered very mutch within the last week but at present I am geting Better and hope I will not be afflicted with it again as it is a horrible diseas the weather is beautifull here as yet. there has been considerable talk of us leaving here but when we will go I do not know our army is trying to take Vicksburg whitch is about three hundred miles below here on the River the last news we had from there they wer geting along very well and would have the place in a few days but we have lost quite a number of Men already and I fear our loss will be heavy in killed and wounded before the place is taken in your last you asked my opinion about the war. some times I think the war will soon be over and at other times I become almost discouraged and can see no end to the war and God only knows how or when it will close as for subdueing the Rebels I beleive we can never do it if they are determined to holde out. but we can whip them but if they feel disposed to carry on this gurilla warfare it will take a life time to catch them all as this southren Country is the very place to carry on that kinde of warfare sucksessfully but I live in hopes that something will turn up betwen this and spring that will bring this war to an end as speedily as possible /

 

the mail has just arived and yours of the 22 of last month is to hand the first I have had for some time from you I cannot at present write but a few liens as the mail will go out in a few minuits

 

that candy is here also I ame sorry I have nothing to send in Return we have got no pay yet I ame glad Mr Mcfadden has been so kind as to offer to lend you money untill I get paid I ame sory Caty is afflicted with the Croup but hope she will not have it again

 

yours most affectionate Husband

                                    S J Keller

to

Mrs M E Keller

 

            N B as for Mathew Johnstons

            money I Expressed it Home

            long ago in Care Sam Daily

            and have got a Receipt to that affect

            if he Received pay for July & August

            when he was discharged the money

            does not belong to him I have writen

            him in Regard to it I must stop as

            the mail is Ready

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