Benton Barracks, Mo.

May 13^th 1863.

 

            Dear Wife:—

                                    I received your kind letter yesterday and was very glad indeed to find you all well. Your letter found me in the enjoyment of the same blessing, by the grace of God. We had quite a shower here last night, which greatly revives everything this morning. Our meeting is still in progress. We hold meeting every evening. Sometimes we have preaching; at other times we have conference and prayer meetings, each time leaving the Chapel feeling renewed by grace divine, and with a stronger and more fervent desire to live a better christian and make my home in heaven. 

 

Five young men were baptized last Sunday, having obtained the blessed assurance of Divine acceptance at a throne of grace. They were emersed. We have the privilege of listening to four or five good sermons every week. The Sacrament was administered in our bunk three Sundays ago, and a large number of soldiers partook of it.

 

            As to getting pay I cant say anything very definite in regard to it. I was up to Headquarters this morning to see about it, and the Captain told me that as far as he knew he could not tell when it would come. He said / we might get it tomorrow, it might be next day and it might be longer. I then asked him if he thought it would come in two weeks time. He answered that he supposed we would be certain to get it within two weeks, at any rate.

 

            As to that piece of land adjoining mine that I wished to purchase I want to say to you that I am very anxious to get it. I advise you to keep still as you can about it, and at the same time try to learn if that man has bought it. If he has not bought it by the time I get my pay I shall buy it myself. 

 

            Tell John to take that rifle he wants to buy up to Mr. Kenton and let him try it so as to determine whether or not the rifle is worth the amount he is asked for it. If so, let him buy it, and caution him against using it carelessly either in or out doors. If you can get a good tame pasture to put the colt in, let Mr. Bridgewater break up the pasture that you now keep the colt in, and no more. If Isaac wants the boys to work for him this season I dont think we can spare them. Please answer this letter soon. I will try to come home soon as I get my pay.

 

                                                                                    Your affectionate husband

                                                                                                Ed. Hickman.

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