“Oh, if this cruel war would only end, how happy we could only live”

Camp near Potomac Creek VA

Monday, April 6, 1863

Dear Clara,

I have just received a letter from you stating that you was well. I thank God that I am the same with the exception of a sore eye. Last night we had a snowball fight between Co. A and Co. H. The officers all took hold and snowballed as well as us and I happened to get hit in the eye, but today the swelling is all gone down but it feels a little sore.

We had orders today to prepare for a Review tomorrow by Abraham Lincoln. The cannons fired like everything today and I suppose he had just arrived. We have not left our camp yet as you can see. We are having snow all the time.

I have copied a letter today for your amusement. It is supposed to be written by some young lady that once lived in Fredericksburg but got married and went to New Orleans, and she made a promise with a female friend of hers to let one other into their first night experience of married life. I would like to know if the girls at the north feel the same. I kind of think it is something similar. I send it to you to laugh over and when you have read it you can let some of your female acquaintances read it. But I would like you should keep it, for some day if I live I would like to have a laughing spell over it myself. Please write and let me know what you think of it. Maybe you may think I was foolish in spending my time with such stuff but I thought it might tickle you some to read it. I call it quite a treat. You might give it to mother to let father read it if you think best, I will leave that to your judgment.

I am so glad to hear that you was well. I almost gave up getting a letter. This time it was 4 days behind the regular time but better late than never is the old saying. It does me good to hear from home and especially when you are all well. I can’t think of much to write so I guess I will close, giving you in the care of the Almighty who is watching over us all.

Oh, how much I love you now. I really believe if I should see you that I should kill you with kisses. The longer I am away only tends to increase your loveliness to me. I was told before I was married that children increased the love between man and wife and I believe it is so for I would not part with neither of you for ten times your weight in gold. Oh, that this cruel war would end, how happy we could only live, because I always thought you loved me and that is all I can ask. I pray every night for you and my little ones that God will soon join us together in happiness.

Goodbye my dearest and only loved one. Write soon.

Your husband,

Pete