Head Quarters _
	    Grnl Hamilton.
	La Grange Tenn
			Jan 7th 1863
Dearest Darling Emma
	   		Oh! darling
Emma could I but see you
this fine January afternoon as
I sit here in the Ad Jutant Genl.
Office _ what would I not give
	But no Dearest. that pleas-
-ure is denied me and not
only that; but it seeme's to me
I have not had one letter
from you in more than one month.
		Tis time all comm-
-unication _ northward has been
cut off for some time back.
     But, two days ago when
the first mail was brought
and when a hand full
was handed to me and
I eagerly searched among
them for One from my 
Darling Emma _ and found

it not. Who can portray
my disapointment. I can
assure you dearest I was
sad sad sad indeed.
and yet I did not blame
you for I presume you
have written _ and your
letters either fell into the
Enemies hands or were dis-
-troyed to prevent their obtain-
-ing them.
	I have written six
letters my Dear girl to
you since receiving any ans
   But they may have been dis-
-troyed as I fear yours
were.
	But my Dear Promised
Darling Emma write to
often for I love you so
dearly   My love increases
every hour. I will always
love you &. I only hope
you will love me in 
return.
	Since writing
last we have fallen

     back into Tennessee.  It was
rendered neccessary by
Van Dorn's raid into Holly
Springs.  I wrote in a previo-
-us letter the particulars of
Charlie Goodwins impris-
-onment.
	Since he left Holley
   Springs I have heard nothing
from him.    Frank is
improving is at the Marine
Hospital, Saint Louis,
			We are
constantly expecting a battle
Our Cavalry are Constantly
scouring the Country.
		Dearly Loved Emma
I have not time to write any
more this time _ As I am
on duty and only snatch
a moment. Rember dear
you are My Own Darling
Emma
	Write to me very Soon
Love to your Mother also
Respects to John & family
	I Remain Your Own
			Mark

P.S. Dearest.
		        Excuse
	all erors I only had five
	minutes to write
		Yours for ever
			    Mark