Prison 2 Mess 11 Camp Chase

                                                                                    Columbus Ohio April 5^th 1863

 

My Dear Emma

            It was with much pleasure that I received your last affectionate letter of the 28^th ult two days since and as I promised to write you once each week during my stay here I avail myself of the present opportunity of complying though I must confess that I have nothing whatever to write either interesting or instructive. the only thing of any interest to myself that I have to communicate (and I will not do you the injustice to think that it will not also interest you) is that I am in high hopes now of an early exchange of all of us; the authorities here says that we leave in a few days for City Point that interesting period will occur this week I do not think now that there is any doubt whatever of it, so you need not expect any more letters from me however write an answere to this for fear something might occur to prevent our leaving, if you do not receive an answere or hear from me again you may be assured that we are off for the sunny land of Dixie. /

 

Again let me thank you and all of my other dear friends and sisters in Farmington for the kindness and assistance I have received at their hands. believe me my dear sister I do feel under deep and lasting obligations to you all. I am so fearful you all will not think so.

 

            This may be the last letter that you will receive from me for many long long months, perhaps years. perhaps never. for soon again I will be upon the tented field and perhaps upon the battle field and I may meet the fate of many other soldier who has fallen. I pray God I may be spared to live through this war. think of me often dear Em my dearly loved sister.

 

            One great pleasure that I anticipate is seeing sister Ann and yet I very much doubt wheather I will be allowed a leave of absence after reaching Richmond, but very probable I will be ordered immediately to the field somewhere have no idea wheather the Command will be sent to Arkansas or not. I will certainly see some of our relatives in Richmond

 

            Give my best love to all of the sisters and friends in Farmington. Kiss all of the children and tell them not to / forget Uncle Will. should I have an opportunity I will write to you all whenever I can.

 

            I have never received a letter from Miss Mollie Thompson or from any of our friends in Germantown. I received a letter from sister Julia a few days since she was well—

 

            Present my Complements and best love to Mrs Kate M the pretty widow and belle of F when the war is over I will go to F to see her if she is not married—remember me to Miss Jennie K and others.

 

            I have already written too much & must close.          good bye

 

                                                                        Your Affectionate Bro

                                                                                    W^m H Dassny

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