Austinburg May 29^th/64

 

            Friend Dwight

                                                                                                                        I received yours of the 2^nd inst. and was very glad to here that, while so many are being wounded and receiving their final discharge, you are still spared. Does'nt it seem sad to think of the awful slaughter of troops before Richmond that haslately occured, and among them some whom we have loved and respected.

 

I suppose you have heard ere this of the disasters of the battle and what an active part our Austinburg boys took. Charley Austin was badly and probably fatally wounded, Charley Holebrook wounded and taken prisoner. / Mr Austin has gone down to see his son and will probably be home before long with the corps as they have received a dispatch since he got there saying Charley was just alive. He was wounded in the hips while leading on his men.

 

I dont know whether Charley H— is wounded badly or not. I suppose his people can not hear from him while he is a prisoner.

 

We received a letter from Andrew last evening saying they had a battle at Resacca. please write and tell me all about it also where and what position Andrew has. I hav'nt known since he left his position in the Battery.

How does Harvey prosper and how do you both like the service. /

 

Well the term is nearly finished and time still continues to fly swiftly as it always has. the closing exercises are one week from next wednesday. I have the honor to hold forth as one of the speakers.

 

I am in the bible class of Mr Walkers now and Mr Austin our teacher is teaching a class of smaller boys. How do you enjoy the sabbaths. I suppose you dont see much difference in that and any other day in the actions of most of the men. It must require a good deal of true courage to live just right in the army and I dont know but all human courage would be entirely ineffectual but remember that true help and pity and love comes from above and willingly given to those who ask it.

 

Dwight! I think the bravery / displayed in battle is not to be compared with the true bravery and courage that is required to live a pure and noble life. It is few who possess this courage and this is why it is spoken of all through the Bible as being rejected: there are but few who will have true courage to get to heaven they are so easily influenced and possess so little decision of character.

 

Good bye for now and believe me

 

                                    Your affte Friend

                                                            [?] Reed

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