Cairo, Oct 30th 1862
Dear Wife:
I recd your very affectionate letter yesterday, and I was truly glad to hear from you again; and was very glad to hear that you are all well.
Your letter finds me well, through the mercy & blessing of Him who holds us in the hollow of His almighty hand.
Since I wrote you last, nothing of importance has transpired. There was firing heard at Bird's Point yesterday evening but it is supposed that it was the Cavalry drilling.
I was very glad to hear that things were going on pretty straight on the farm. There is no need of any corn crib till spring. You just get some rails of Isaac & make a corn-crib. Get these instead of the poles.
If there is any danger of any one getting your letters, I will direct my letters containing money to Mr. Garritt.
We expect to draw two months wages on the first or second of November.
I seen Elijah, and told him about his mother, and he said he would write.
Give my love to all the friends. I felt like serving God as much as ever I did. Aid me with your prayers, and try to meet me in Heaven. Give my love to Bro. Jordan, that I feel just the same that I did when I saw him last. tell him that a person can live religious here as well as at home, if they only try. Tell him to pray for me that I may hold out faithful to the end. I would like to get a letter from him.
From your Husband
Edward Hickman.