Head Quarters
			Genl. Hamilton
		Memphis February 4th
				        1863
My Dear Dear Emma,
			As I write
that name how many remembr-
-ances rush upon me. For more
than six months , has that name been
a Tallisman to my heart, waking
its. emotion at will.
		         You are the
first woman _ that ever I really
loved. And oh! how happy I
used to be even in Chickaming
after I loved you _  For there was
Emma _ There was my Emma _ and
of course I was contented.
			       Some-
times I have strange forbodings _ Some
times _ I think Emma is too good
for me _ You always seemed so
   n
in^ocent when compared with our
City Belles.
	        But Dear One. I
never deceived you. [unrestrained?]

as us boy's were _ It is not so
very strange that sometimes _ we were
wild &. Somewht reckless.
			Darling. You
You enquire _ about the letter sent 
to me a few days ago by Mr _
Wilkinsons  People _  The letter was in
answer to one written some time
since to Hattie _ Yet I must confess
I did not expect any reply.
	He spoke of you very carefully
respectfully _
		Cousin Deloss has
Gone Home on a Furlough of
Ten day's _ Being on detached
service He Could obtain a Leave
of Absence without much trouble
	My dear dear Emma _ What
a comfort your love is to me.
    You alone can imagin the Joy
I experience in Contemplating
our future happiness.
			Sometimes
Loved One I can but despair
at the prospects before every
American _ When I witness the [Treason?]


in the Northern States _ which al-
ready stalks abroad at noon-
-day _ threatning to trample under
foot the nearest &. dearest Principles
of every Patriot Heart.
			The Fire –
in the Rear party which six months
ago _ we scorned _ sneared &. laughed
at _ with derision _ we begin to
fear.
	Our people at home have
been to lenient with Treason
  Had they Crushed the [two words illegible in original]
ere it gained the strength of life
all would have been well _
     But now it is a living Hydra
Headed Monster _ We fear to
meddle with it lest it oer whelm
in its mighty Power.
			Dear Dear
Emma _ To day the prospects of
America are indeed [poor?]
	All would be well did
our people stand united
But we are divided _ Instead
of aiding our Government. They

clogg its wheels and [Embarass?]
its movements.
		We have a big
Job before us _ and every re-
-source _ and Every man must
be brought into [requisition?] if we
would succeed _ if we loose _ like
the Roman's of yore no longer
will the boast _  I am an American
Citizen.  Insure respect & guarantee
protection.   But Dearest. Darling
Emma Let us still hope that
God may recognize the Justice
of our cause _ and restore our
ancient Glory &. renown.
	Dear &. much Loved. Emma
Pardon me for writing upon the
Political Condition of our Country
     But I could not help it although
I do not despair _ I feel the
danger which threatens us.
	I Remain Your Own
Promised Husband _ May
we live to witness many many
happy years _ In a country restored
from the disasters of War

[Written sideways on left-hand side of Scan 4]

Love to your Mother _ Respects to Johns
family _ I remain your own Mark