Nashville July 13 1863.
Dear Mother.
	Once more after
so long a silence I again take
the opportunity of conversing with
you through the medium of pen
ink & paper.
	This Evening we
received the cheering intelligence
of the fall of Vicksburg and
we are encouraged by the hope that
the other armies will be likewise
victorious and for a speedy 
termination of the War. so that
we can all return to our homes
again & enjoy the blessings of
peace. 
	I am yet at my old
place as clerk. and like it first

rate. and it agrees with me too:
and is much easier than carrying
a gun. but I could not carry
a gun any more. Oh Mother you
little know what I endured for
the last 3 months I was in the
ranks for I never told any one
but now as thare is no immediate
danger. to be plain Mother
I was really afraid I had fallen
a victim to that terrible disease 
Con	Consumption which
I inherit from My Mother without
doubt. but as I am now situated 
I can take plenty of Exercise and
without overdoing myself. I trust
to out grow it. Oh Mother

I would rather die on the battle
field than live & suffer as my
poor mother did. but I trust
neither fates await me. 

	It is a long time since
I heard from Augustus & am
quite anxious to hear from him
	Why does not Sarah write
to me, she used to be quite a
good correspondent. until of late
she has not written at all.
	We expect our pay soon but
I shall not be able to send any
home as I need much money here than
I did in the Company and I Expec
ted to get extra pay but do not
get any after all. but the duty is
[many?] easier to make it quite
a desirable situation
	I had a very pleasant 
time the [“fourth”?] and shall
long remember the occasion 
	Dear Mother take courage
this War will not last always soon
peace will be proclaimed over
the land. and will be allowed

to return to & comfort you in 
your declining years.
	but as it is very late
		I must close

Yours as Ever
	Edwin Holmes

Mother