October 29 1864

 

My own dearest Georgie,

            Thank God darling I am safe and well and able once more to write to you, after a four days campaign which seems as many weeks. Day before yesterday we had a severe fight in which the 2^d Div. of the 2^d Corps has added to its glories, and now that we are back and again quiet we are in excellent spirits over it though many brave comrades officers and men have fallen Capt. Broatch of the 14^th among many other of my / friends was severely wounded Our Division was at one time completely surrounded by the enemy who poured a heavy fire into us front and rear and both flanks. I thought of "Libby" but the gallantry of the old Div. saved us and the enemy drew back at all points with great loss. Gen. Smythe with the 3^d Brigade greatly distinguished themselves.

 

My favorite horse, (yours you know) also displayed good qualities and carried your loving soldier safely through it all. Now if I could only go home, how happy I should be. Last night I dreamed I was with / you and I was very happy darling. You have been out my thoughts hardly a moment during all these days of honor and danger, and my greatest anxiety was for you darling, knowing how unhappy you would be not hearing from me for so long at a time. I could not write yesterday, as we were marching all day, but I took the first opportunity to day to relieve your anxiety.

 

            I am glad you have so much confidence in my conscientiousness (just exactly two inches long) not the virtue, but the word as written. I am not / so sure but what I might tell a little fib in order to get home if you told me to. I am safe enough saying that. As to my becoming hardened, why little one you would be astonished and probably cut me entirely if you knew just what a hardened character I am. I do almost every thing bad and wicked except invent excuses to get home. I may come to that soon.

 

I do love you very much my darling, will not that redeem some bad qualities. I send many kisses here

 

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I kissed over and over again the place

on your letter where you placed the kisses

you sent me

                        Lovingly

                                    Fred

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