Company "I" 7th Indiana Volunteers
Friday, April 22nd 1864.
Dear Brother:
Yours of the 15th inst. came to hand last evening: it was the 2nd letter that I have received since I came back; I also received a letter last night from maggie Moore. Since I came back to the regiment, I have wrote seventeen letters and only received three, but I look for a letter or two every day for a while. I have been a little lonesome since I came back, but I guess I will get over it now. I hope this letter will find you all in good health. Hope that Wm Ennis' family will soon get rid of the measles. You spoke about having so much cloudy & rainy weather back there. We have had considerable of rain here, but we are now having very nice weather, although the mountains are still covered with snow.
I knew that you would be very lonesome when Lide left, for she is such a lively girl. O I had such a nice time while I was at home, I long for the time to come when I can come home to stay, then I expect a pleasant time. You musnt go with the girls too much & get married before I come home, for I want to go to your wedding, but if you do, I suppose it will be all right. (Wright) Remember me to her when you see her again. I suppose Mr Vanatta thinks he is very sharp, I do'nt think he is so sharp, but what he might be sharper. You said Kate had declined ever keeping Company with him again. I like her judgment, for if I was in her place I would say the same. You said you had another drill at Clermont, but did not get along as well as when I drilled you. I would think not either, for your Officers are not very well posted in military tactics.
Enclosed you will find one of my photographs. it is not a very good one, but it favors me a little. I have sent Mollie that song ballad. She probably has got it ere this. I also sent it to Lide. We have a great deal of fun, we play "base ball" every day, some play marble. But I suppose we will soon have to march, and that will go pretty hard with us, but I think I can stand it four months longer, and then I am a candidate for promotion. I want to be promoted from a soldier to a Citizen, and when I get that position, I intend to hold my office for a while at least. The weather is warm and pleasant, the grass is beginning to grow & the peach trees are out in blossom.
I hav'nt very much news to write. This leaves Henry and I both in good health, and I hope it may find you all the same.
Please write soon and often
Your Brother
W H Speer