Pope’s Head Run, 8 miles from Manassas.

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

July, 5. 1862

 

            Dear Jennie:

                                    This evening it has once more been my good fortune to have it to say that I received another of those very neat, and to me, very interesting and affectionate letters from you, and so immediately after receiving it, I must get to work and answer it, for I will not delay a moment on my part to such an affectionate creature as you are to me. It is highly cheering to me to know that I have one at my far distant home that takes so much interest in my welfare, and so anxious to hear from me. And for the same I shall ever keep you in mind, and shall assure you that you have still in the Army, a friend that is devoted to you. I am pleased to hear that you still enjoy very good health and say that there is no danger of you working too hard while I am away.

 

The best news to you in regard to myself, is that I am in the midst the best health I ever enjoyed. I believe I never felt healthier than I am at present. /

 

The 4^th is past and gone, making the second one that I spent in the service of Uncle Sam, and the Lord above only knows how many more I will be called on to spend ere this rebellion is crushed. I hope they will be few. I spent the day in Camp, for the simple reason that the Captain and Lieutenant went away in the morning and left me in charge of the Camp and consequently I could not leave. Some of the “Nipper ten” of Washington and Alexandria went to Manassas in the cars and had a grand picnic and there is where the head officers of our company were to be found. I understand they had quite a magnificent and pleasant time of it while I was doomed to wile away the day in the lonely and almost desolated Camp on that day, as most of the boys were gone Sunday morning July. 6. 1862. Dear Jennie I did not get my letter finished yesterday evening and so I will endeavor to complete it this morning. The sun is shining very hot upon us to day. This is about the hottest day we have had since we are here. And I don’t imagine how it could be any hotter if it would try. /

 

The only talk with us is how the great battle at Richmond will end, and which of the great Armies will come off as victorious. I am still under the impression that M^cClellan will gain the day and by that the war will soon close, and all soldiers be permitted to return to their dear and beloved homes with the honor of having crushed one of the wildest rebellions that ever cursed a nation since the sun first sent forth its light upon the earth.

 

You speaking of picnics and parties makes me wish I were there to attend them for you are well aware that I am a lover of such things. But as I know I can’t be there, I take the world as it comes and enjoy myself with it. Jacob Wallers & Sam Evans send their best respects to you

 

Give Lue my Love and tell her to persevere and continue on persevering with Skyles and she may eventually win him over to her kind grace, and true affections. That is I say she may, not knowing whether she can or not. / I think that all young men like Skyles that have or pretend to have the good of their beloved country at heart as all true and loyal Americas should have, should at once answer the call of the Governm and President for more troops, and show their loyalty by falling into ranks and enlist under the Stars and Stripes of their country. So long as there is an enemy aiming at the destruction of Independence, so long should all loyal men continue to be soldiers. For where is the true Unionist that would wish to live in this country when the Stars & Stripes should fail to wave over him.

 

My respects to your mother & Aunt. The Engles are all right yet. So in conclusion, with my advice to you to bear up under all trials and difficulties that may arise, I take the the Liberty of signing myself with my true Love to you

 

                                                                        Your devoted friend

                                                                                                John

 

Read the enclosed scrap.

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