Stafford C. House, Feb 11th, ’63

Dear Wife,

I got a letter from you yesterday written in two days, I had waited for it very anxiously for I was afraid I should hear you were sick as you were not well when I heard from you last. I am sorry Louise has a cold but I know she will be well taken care of.

It is so cold today I just answer your letter and not write much more we have had two or three days of pleasant weather but it is agoing to storm today if it gets warm enough.

You said I would be glad of as good a place as our barn to stay in, it is

Mt. Carmel, Monday eve, Feb 9th/63

Ever dear Husband,

I am setting here in the kitchen alone, with baby asleep by my side. There is to be a surprise party at Mr. Thayers tonight. Mother and I had an invitation, but I thought it would be the most proper for the oldest to stay at home (as we couldn’t both go) so I staid at home for mother to go, you knew she is younger about going around, than I am.

It is a very dark, muddy, and it hardly seemed prudent for her to go, she said she wished I would go, but I didn’t feel as if I could, at least I didn’t want to, so I started

Mt. Carmel, Sabbath morn, Feb 8th/63

Beloved husband,

I have but little time to write this morning as it is almost time for church to be out, but thought I would commence to write. Louise is around with her “pentie” putting in an extra flourish once and the while. I think her cold is better some, but her teeth are troubling her a good deal. She was around last night teasing to “ride on Papa’s toot” (foot). She is the greatest coaxer when she wants to get into mischief you ever saw; there is a drawer in the table in the setting room, that I keep whalebone and patterns in, and she knows she ought not to open it, when

Stafford Court House, Feb 8th

Dearly loved wife,

This is the first day that has seemed like Sunday for many a week but this is such a Sabbath as I have ever loved. Still, quiet, and grave, the bright sun shining through the smoky air and the voice of nature hushed as if in obedience to the divine command “Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.” It is just the day to bring to mind home and all its Sabbath association and the soldiers after many weeks of turmoil and hardship seem willing to rest. The camp as is quiet and orderly as a Sunday at Mt. Carmel.

Since I wrote you last we have had a long cold