Benton Barracks.

June 19=1863.

 

Dear Wife:—

                        I wrote you a letter day-before yesterday. Since that time we have been ordered off and I thought I would write you another. We leave to-morrow on the Steamer Hannibal at eleven oclock. It is difficult to say where we will land, but I expect it will be at New Madrid, Mo. This town is situated about 10 or 12 miles below the Island N^o 10 on the Missippi River.

 

            Several of the Boys sent off their things by Express to-day, those of them that they could not carry. I sent some things with in the Box, and / it was directed to Michael Rapp, Jacksonville. If you will go there you will find my things. (one Hat.)

 

            Tell the Boys that they must be good Boys and obey their Mother and be religious. You must all pray for me that I may make a good soldier for my country, and that I may stand up manfully for our countrys cause and that I may especially be a good soldier of the Cross of Christ. Pray for me that I may do my whole duty as a soldier and a Christian, that I hold out faithful and meet you in heaven. Give my love to Aunt Bambrook and all the rest of enquiring friends. Tell my Brothers and / Sisters of the Church to not forget to pray for me that I may be a faithful Christian, withstand all evil temptations, stand up at all times for the cause of Christ, and be so blessed as to meet them all in Heaven, where parting is no more. Tell them I should be glad to hear from them at any time they may see fit to write. Write to me how they are getting along over to Bridgewaters. Give my love to all my neighbors. I will write as soon as we get to our place of destination. Good by for the present.

 

                                                                                    Your aff. Husband

                                                                                                Ed. Hickman

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