Saint Louis Mo.
			August 28th 1862.
“My Own dear Emma”
		              Your dear and
much loved letter has Just been
handed to me by Capt Albert Jenks
who left Aurora some days after
I did. Oh! dear dear Emma
how that letter cheered me only 
those who saw me can tell suff-
-ice it to say it made me feel
very very happy indeed. Your
promise to remain true to me is
so noble and generous _ and
  Darling Emma although, I am
willing to promise to remain true
to you forever. I have no right
to Exact any promises from you
     but they are all voluntary. Aint
they dearest?
	          Emma did you ever
think strange that I should 
love you? Now darling let me

tell you why of all others of my
aquaintances. I should love you
dearer and more ardently than
all others.
	First I am and have
been for a long time disgusted
with what is called the first society
It is nothing but flattery – and
falsely from begining to End.
As a Rule there is nothing true
and reliable in it.
		Now dear Emma
it took me but a short time after
my aquaintance with you to see 
that you were Honest, Frank and
Independant. and with all
these noble qualities a kind dis-
position. I Knew if you ever
Loved any Person it would be
with your whole Heart. - and
I have that love - and Emma my
Own Dear Emma I am happy
	You know that I said it was
right to tell you – and for you

to tell  me your feelings
     I have written you the
reasons why you are worthy
of my Love , or any one Else's
and Dear Emma. Henceforth
I will Ever try to be worthy
of your confidence and
Love.
	We leave this place in
the morning for Memphis. on
Board the Steamer. [illegible in original] from
there go to “Corinth” join Rosencrances
Devision _ which is now marching
South.    I gave you my address
in a previous letter_  I presume it 
was all sufficient , But please
add the name of Devision (“Rosencrance”
	Dearly Loved Emma, will you
write to me quite often _ Do not wait
for letters but do as I do write
as often as you can. You
Know how I love you _ and how
much your letters are loved.
			   You must

Excuse this
^ if poorly written , and discon-
-nected. for I am much fatigued
having been [broken?] of my rest
for two nights:
		I can think of 
nothing more that would interest
you. Only that a good friend
of mine whom I recommended
to Mr. Goodwise, will probibly
take my place as Book keeper
at Chickaming. His name is
Irvin W. Terry. If he goes there
I will send him a letter of Intro-
duction – to my Emma – But you
must not let him cut me
out (Ha, ha, ha) I wont be jealous
 	I wish you were here to go to
the Theatre with me to night. I send
my Love to yourself &, Mother Boys
all send Best Respects.
		One sweet Kiss dear Emma
		From your Own
				Mark.
P.S.
        Frank says tell Emma – that the [illegible in original] “[swearing?]”
        he ever did was to swear into the U.S.A. the
        other day for 3 years or during the war
        (One more Kiss)					“Trumps”
						Your [Lover?]