Scottsborough Ala Jan 28..64

 

on picket gard one mild from Camp…Dear wife and Children i am sitting beside my knapsack in the wood on a high ridge just wide enough for a good [?]. the day is one of those warm sunny calm and beautiful ones like some of those we spent so pleasently together in lifes morning march (when we knew no trouble no grief or sorrow…) but lets look on the brite side, yes, my dear Ruth, has not the lord spaired our lives and the lives of our dear children i know that i have greate reasons for being thankful for my life yes when i reflect back to the blood stained battle fields whare the ground / was allmost covered with my fellow soldiers and amid the horrible destructive showers of lead and cannon balls…O how was it, why was it that i was un hurt my companions ware falling at my side behind me and in front. Oh with what composure a christian soldier can discharge his duty on the field of battle…yes…well i must say that i am yet well and O that i knew that you ware all well maby i will be blest with the happy privalege of seeing you before long…may it be a happy meeting yes dear companion we yet may ere we leve this world of sorrow, see joyful days together and injoy earths blessings god speed 

 

Jan 30..64 well i will send this letter. i thought i would bring it but i will try the next

 

Philander dear son do pleas be kind to mother and sisters i suppose you are (but i feel it my duty duty to say a few words of incoreragement) yes and learn as fast as you can and when i get home i will bring some nice present O i want to see you have good education yes and Prinny and Silva and little Ruth O tis so long since i have seen them bless there little harts how i could kiss them…but i am not there…there is not much war news to write nor can i write half as much as i would like to on acount of not haveing paper enough but i could talk with you, thats so 

 

When will love reath reath her chains round us forever

 

now dear family you may think hard of me and say i mite of been at home long a go but if i live to get home i will satisfactry explain those reasons why things are as they are pleas have pacaenc and trust me a little longer and all will be well at least i hope so o i know tis hard for you to have so much trouble and care and grief but i hope to wipe a way the tears of sorrow from thy sweet face and once more clasp thee in my arms and sooth thy fond hart by being kind and affectionate and care for you as a good husband ought

 

the sleepless nites the sorrowful days i have spent since i left home friends

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