Camp Shiloh Pittsburg landing tenn Apr 21

 

well Dear Ruth and children i received this letter yesterday it gave me much joy to know that you was all well. i am far from being well tho i was able for duty 2 days since the battle it has been so rainy and i have been soaked so often that i had the bilious colick hard last nite i am better this morning but can eat nothing we get nothing fit for a sick man to eat well you seam verry anctious for me to come home well all things considered i think it best for my health it is poor enough now and i think if i ware to stay in the service 3 months longer i mite never see home or loved ones thair, but god being my helper i think if i start soon i will reach Larue a mear vestage of what i once was a change of climate and manner of life may rapidly improve my bodily strength but gods will be done he doeth all things well O Ruth i long to be with you once more on earth so when one or the other of us is caled to leave this green earth we may know of a truth that the sole has gone to Jesus to injoy sweet eternity. i must get what uncle Sam owes me and my discharge, which will take me nearly home free and let the bounty go to the bugs i will tell you my narrow escape in battle when i get home the fighting was hard the battle ground a horid scene   John G Scoville

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