Pope’s Head Run.

8 miles from Manassas

Head Quarters of Company G 12^th Pa. Cav.

                                                                                                July 21.1862.

 

            Dear Jennie:—

                                    As I wrote you a letter a few days ago, telling you that I was not well, I must now give you the good news that the “ear-ache” is now over and that I am once more classed among the healthy of Company G and trust that it may always be my good lot to give you such news. It is no very pleasant thing to be sick at home, but far more unpleasant to be sick and in Camp at the same time. I have no reason to complain of sickness for the Ruler of all earthly and heavenly things has dealt very lenient with me so far Many others are afflicted for months after months while my term was of short duration here. On yesterday afternoon the Captain and Lieutenants wives arrived in Camp and purpose sojourning with us for two weeks. It had a tendency to make the two officers put on their Sunday faces and looks quite pleasant. But poor fellows like myself who are on the single list, have no wives to call to see us, and so we are compelled to wile away our time in Camp wthout such joyous meeting on such occasions. /

 

But still we are content with the world and take things as they present themselves to the human eye, and at the same time cast our care in Providence and trust to the dark and hidden future, and time will reveal all things to us. Since we have received our horses we are kept very busy at drills. We have to rise in the morning at 4 o’clock and straight way repair to the stable and attend to our ponies, curry, feed, and water and then to drill, but we now have the consolation of drilling on horse back. We will soon be prepared to move farther South and meet the rebels with powder, lead and cold steel, and if we should be so very unfortunate as to have to retreat under such circumstances, we have the the consolation of having horses that will carry us speedily to the desired point.

 

I suppose there is quite an excitement in little Blair County about these times in regard to enlisting since the President has made the demand for four hundred thousand new troops. And I hope that if they do not get to work and enroll their names immediately and fall into ranks to assist in defending the beloved constitution of our Country, that they may be drafted and be compelled to fall in, as true loyal soldiers of the Stars & Stripes of their country /

 

There are any amount of young men in Blair Co. that I would love to hear of being made to go and handle the musket to quell the rebellion, for the more soldiers we have the sooner the war will be over, and if Skyles shrinks from the present call I will regard him as one who is not a true loyal citizen at heart, for I cannot see why under the Sun any young man can stay at home, when his country is all the time calling with might and main for his help. Shame! Shame!! Shame!!! on all young men who will stay at home and think that life is dearer than a land of Liberty. My motto is give me freedom though it costs many lifes lives, and if I should not be spared to enjoy it after the war is over, I still have the blessed consolation of being one among the number who so nobly volunteered to gain it. To crush this rebellion it will yet cost the blood of many, and many to who will not be forgotten for many years after. But far better for those who are at home to lose friends and relatives in battling for freedom than to have tyrranny with its destroying hand to rule over such a heaven favored country like this.

 

Enough of such talk and now for something else of different tone— /

 

Give my Love to Lue & Sue and tell them I am well again and lively as ever.

 

Remember me to Jacob, James, your mother Aunt and Uncle David.

 

Jacob sends his respects to you all, and is well. Sam O. Evans best regards to you, hoping that you are well and flourishing still.

 

And now in conclusion to you dear Jennie last but not least, accept my best and truest Love and bear with me while I take the favored liberty of signing myself your ever devoted and truly affectionate friend and ever will remain so

                                                                                                            John

 

P. S. Dear Jennie:—Suppose you get your likeness taken in a small case and send it to me by mail and you will confer an invaluable favor upon me. for I would very much like to have it

                                                                                    Your friend John

 

Excuse blots

            &c

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