Harpers Ferry, Va.

                                                                                                            Jan. 22. 1865.

 

My Dear Wife:

                        Good morning to you. How are you this Sunday morning? I presume you are about going to Sabbath School. I wish I were there to accompany you. It has been a long time since I last attended any such a place. In April last I believe. In this land of tumult uproar and contention, Sunday School would be a novelty. Your favor of the 18^th Inst. reached me yesterday evening, and although it is the Sabbath day I will endeavor to respond, and give you what little news there is afloat, which in fact is unusually scarce, more so than any time while I am Virginia /

 

I am delighted to learn that good health is still yours. I am well. I am sorry to hear that Lue has become so disheartened with your town that she would leave it & say she will not return until next Summer and probably not them. I presume that if I get home that we can coax her to come in to see us. Skyles must be very busy indeed, if he cannot find time to answer my letter. Such correspondents, in my opinion, are not of much consequence. I am not over anxious to hear from him but would like to receive at least one more letter from him, for the purpose of learning what he thought of those two letters of Lue’s. I presume that he will discard me as a friend. If he does, I have no material objections. I can afford to lose him, as far as friendship goes, / that is if he so desires. So our friend (at one time Sallie M^cCloskey) called to see you, and you report her as resembling one that has been married for some time. Good for her! I presume she thinks it is all right. And no doubt it is. They are all rather getting ahead of you, Don’t you think so? But no doubt you will say let them go ahead if they like, there is a good time coming. I mailed a letter to you on Friday & also quite a lengthy one on yesterday, and will have this, for Monday’s mail, and with it send you the 8^th number of the “Guidon” The weather is quite rough to-day, raining and sleeting in full earnest. Everything is quiet in the Valley. The troops are enjoying their winter quarters. Barney Engle is well I saw him yesterday. /

 

A rumor afloat this morning that the Paymaster will be about this week. He will be wecomely received and treated with respect.

 

Remember me with best wishes to Mother & Aunt.

 

Last but not least, My true, devoted & undivided Love to you my Dear Wife:

 

            While to this I annex my name

            as your ever true devoted and

                                    Affectionate

                                                Husband

                        Lieut. John H. Black

                                    Co. “G” 12. Pa. Cavalry.

                                                Harpers Ferry, Va.

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