Camp Convalisent VA

July the 8th 1863

Sad to hear Ida is so sick, please take care of her because he couldn’t bear to lose her.. “for I always thought so much of her. I don’t mean by this that I don’t think anything of willie for I should hate to loose [sic] him just as bad but you know how Ida was her Papa girl how much she always seemed to think of me & how she did always want to go with me where I went. But sometimes I think she will never follow me again I have had a Presentiment since you sent that telegram that the lord would punish us for our wickedness But I hope for the Best I have not heard anything form that furlough since it went to the war Department & that is week ago Some say it takes two weeks to get it.”

“We are getting glorious news here at present to day the news is that the whole of the rebel army of virginia is destroyed I pray god this may be true vicksburgh has fallen & Richmond is expected to be taken every day & it seems as if the Rebs is cathing [sic] it on every side pretty bad just now.”

She had asked his consent to go to the picnic with George on July 14^th and he is surprised she wouldn’t go without his leave but wants her to enjoy herself however she can. “No Dear Clara go & may god Bless you I love you to much to keep you from enjoying yourself it cant make any talk with the folks you know for he is my Brother yet you know I am jelous [sic] very much so & I hope there will be no danger in giving my consent to such and [elopement?] with my Brother as for me I cant find no pleasure in anything now I get up in the morning & when night comes I am as tired as if I had done a hard days work I am thinking of you & home all the time & it works so much on my mind it makes my head acke [sic] all the time my Constitution is not what it used to be the least exersize [sic] tires me all out & yet if I was forced to it I suppose I could march fifty miles in one day.” He doesn’t think they’ll be exchanged soon but if they are he’ll make the best of it. Much excitement in camp. “I have found a young man here by the name of Justis Place he used to work at Harwoods. He sends his respects to her ^ Malvina. “ Closing.