“You did not tell me what you thought of that piece in the paper, I want to know so to see whether it is best to write another one sometime”

Warrington Junction VA

Thursday, February 25, 1864

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Dear Wife,

I received your letter today, together with one from father, and was glad to hear that you was all so well at home. My health is good and I am gaining in flesh some. I think I will send you a likeness with the whole uniform so you can see how I look with it.

We have been paid off today and I will send you 20 dollars in allotment and some more the next time I write. The last of this month we will be mustered for two months pay again, so if the paymaster had been a week later we would got paid for four months.

I got a likeness from father and it looks quite nice and natural. In my letters to our folks - Page 2^nd - or to Joey I merely mentioned that if she could only do something to help wile away some of those tedious and lonesome hours I would feel ever grateful towards her, and this may of made this change you spoke of.

Oh, my heart almost bled, dear Clara, sometimes when I read your letters but I could do nothing. I have felt for you and my little ones deeply and sometimes when I have been tempted to go astray the thoughts of you and our little ones have made me pause and consider. Oh, dear Clara, I cannot find words that will express the feelings I have for you. I cannot believe there ever was a man that loved a woman as I do you, and as long as God gives me life, may I never feel otherwise. For a week past I have felt oh how homesick. I could not sleep, eat or feel contented nowhere. But I feel somewhat better – Page 3^rd - today. I suppose that will be a grand affair, that wedding. I wish I was at home to witness it. They are not giving furloughs, only to those that have friends at home sick and are not expected to live, so it will be impossible.

I did not get that paper you sent me, but I think it came to the Regt., for Fletch had one and was showing it around to the Boys. But I did not see it. I was on Picket at the time. Geo. Whitten’s brother came here today. You did not tell me what you thought of that piece in the paper, I want to know so to see whether it is best to write another one sometime.

I am glad to hear that Ida is so much of a scholar. Bless her little heart. How I do want to see her and all of you. How long, oh long, has this war got to last yet? Dear Clara, I think a great deal of my country. But how much more I prize my home and those I love there assembled. I have seen all the glory I want to in fighting. I have risen a step in honor in the army and now let me live and die in peace with those I love, and when I speak in this way I think I am uttering the sentiments of nearly all that are here. God grant that we may have peace and a permanent one.

As it is getting late I must close. Remember me to all enquiring friends. Take good care of yourself and little ones. Give my love to all.

Your ever true husband,

Sergt. P. L. Dumont

P.S. I am going to send you the likenesses of all the Generals that have had Command in the Army of the Potomac since I have been into it. Write as soon as you get this for I will feel anxious.