Lagrange Tenn May 7^th..63

 

            Dear and affectionate wife [paper torn]

 

i am well and cincearly hope these lines will reach you injoying the same. we was changed from infantry to cavelery the next day after i wrote the last letter before this we drawed mules to ride my mule is a large bright bay [faded] like and gallops verry nice. we have just come home from a scout we went 120 milds south away down in dixe we was out 8 days we saw no fighting this time but we took 35 prisioners and captured three hundred and 50 mules [faded] and about 100 negroes. we fed our selves and [faded] or there corn and hams. we took our coffee and shugar with us we will be apt to leave on a scout in a few days and get horses enoughf to supply the reg with horses in place of the mules I like the cavelery much better than infantry but i would like to be at home better better than any place at all. well maby this war will be over before long then if my life is spaired i will gladly and chearfully return to my beloved family O that i was with them this dreary [faded] but my trust is in the lord who has [faded] safe thus far. i must wash some today [faded] in this letter after we draw our pay

 

May 10^th Lagrange Army of Western Tennessee

i am well, i am on gard to [faded] /

 

52 dollars yesterday i would express it [torn] immediately but our colonel is giving [torn] days but 3 or 4 of each company at a time [torn] is three of our company got the start of [torn] but three i will have to wait 30 days [torn] Capt we apt to take another scout soon down through Miss on our mules. well the war news hear are verry faverable to our side [faded] have sent any letters lately i expect [faded, torn] buned there was a boat burnt on the river which had on it some 8 bags of [faded] division

 

[faded] few lines to John and Laura i am well how are you lol i am tiered of soldiering and when i get out of it that is if i live to get out, i think i will stay out corn hear has been [?] some of it and peaches are half grown and turning yellow for the cradle now Lol [faded] your mother  i will tell you all about the elephant when i come home. phi be a good boy and kind to mother i am glad to know [faded] have been affectionate to your mother and [faded] you have been left in in such a [faded] O Ruth continue to pray for  [faded] trust in the lord write soon John G Scoville

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