Belinda Iowa March 13^th 1863

 

My Dear Husband

                                    I received yours of the 2^nd inst yesterday and was glad to hear that the health of the Regiment is improving although it may be the means of pushing the men into battles which they would otherwise avoid. I think that anything is better than inaction and any kind of work would be play for me now. In fact I know how to apreciate good health better than I ever did before. I am getting better slowly the swelling has left my leg and I can walk about some but not without limping. Dr Rodgers was back to see me last saturday and left more medicine for me to take and told me to continue to use the bandages which I am still doing. I have the but one more powder to take, and a few pills. Pa went to Chariton today and I sent for some of the liniment and Sassaparilla that you spoke of in your letter. The baby has not been well for some time and I do not expect she will be until I get well. All of the folks here except Ma and myself went to an exhibition at Columbia last night. They said the performances were good and there were so many people there that not more than half of them could get in the house. Jenny is make drawing a picture of the audience and if it will bear inspection I will send it to you. March 16^th When I commenced this letter I thought that the mail would not go up until next day but they could not cross the river at Belfountain and come back sooner than I expected and I did not have my letter ready. Pa got the medicine / that I sent for and I have been useing it I am still getting better and am in hopes of being well some time. The baby is not much better she has a very bad cough and I would think it was the whooping-cough if she had ever had a chance to take it. Boyles has not been here yet. Harvey went up to town to get his picture taken but the artist was so busy that he could not take it. he was going to send it to Dave by the Captain You wanted to know how Harv was getting along with his work. I dont know much about it only he said that he would get done hauling rails this month. Frank Smedley has gone to Ill to get his fortune I guess he feels very indpendant he says if he is drafted he can pay his $300 and stay at home. Mrs Wallace said that she dident pity me a bit when I got sick down there by myself for I was living off government any how I think however that I can get along very well without her sympathy. she said that she thought that the county had as well do something for them as for the war widows for Hyram was sick and she wasent very well herself but instead of that they had to pay taxes to help support the wives of men who were makeing money off government. Pa says that he would pay their war tax for five cents. I must bring my letter to a close for Jenny is tending the little chap while I am writeing Mother has been to see me twice and Meda has been here twice. I wish you could come home awhile now and I think you could get a furlough if you are not going to leave that place soon but of cours you will do what is best and I know you would come if you could. From your loving wife

                                L A Reed

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