Culpeper Virginia.

January 26^th '64.

 

Dear Brother

                        Yours of the 14^th inst has arrived But we have rec^d news of a later date from home. I cannot express to you the sadness & sorrow that filled our hearts when we learned of the death of our own dear Father. O! who knows what changes a day may bring forth. But we will try & bear it as patiently as we can. Remembering that our loss is his eternal gain. Let us then not sorrow as those who have no hope, but try to follow his example—lead a christian life, and then / when we are called to die we will be prepared to meet him in Heaven.

 

            I hope & pray that no more of you will take that fatal disease. I suppose that I could now get a furlough to come home. But I have studied over the matter and have concluded that it would be wise for me not to go, although I am anxious to see you all, and can hardly refrain myself from making an application for a furlough. But I thought of it in this way—suppose I would go home, and after I arrived in the neighborhood, was to learn that some of you had the small-pox. I know / that I could not keep from going to see you, and then probably I would take it, and bring it here to the Army. the consequence would be—the whole Army would take it. And it might be the ruin of the Army. Therefore I will try and rest contented. I assure you that not a moment passes without you are remembered by us. I would like to hear from you every day if possible.

 

            Lieut. Miller has arrived here. It was him who first informed us of Fathers death. Henry & I are both in good health. I hope & pray that this letter may find you all still in good health, and that / the disease will spread no farther. I shall anxiously watch every mail that arrives to see if there is any news from home.

 

Lieut Miller says he heard that our time would be out in the spring. I hope it is so. Then I will come home to be free from the hardships of camp life. May the God of mercy watch over & protect you through the trials which you may be called to pass, and may I be permitted soon to see you all, is the prayer of your Brother

Harry

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