Head Qrs. Dist of Memphis.
		Memphis Tenn. June 25. 1863.
My Own Loving Emma.
			     Having
been confined tomy bed
and room for several
days past by sickness. I have
been unable to bestow upon
you that prompt attention
your goodness and Kindness
so much deserve. I am Scarsely
able to write this [illegible in original]
_ as my nearves seem Entirely un-
-strung _ and my mind though
not really (Fickle) seems to wander
    I hope I may be better in
the morning.
		Dear dear Girl

[Written sideways on top of Scan 1]

My Candid oppinion
is that the Rebellion
is playing out
very rapidly _
     Cousin Deloss
sends love _
     Charlie Goodwin
hasbeen Exchanged
am looking for
him Every day _
     Love to your
Mother _ Respects
to Jon &. family
write very soon
tohim that loves
you deare than any
other person in
Existance
    I Remain
	Yours alone
     &forever
	     Mark.

only those who truly _ and deeply
love can tell the happiness your
Picture caused me when sick
I had it laying open _ and by my
side where I could Continually
see it.
        I very seldom allow myself
to become angry _ but to you
Emma I will say when reading 
your last letter. I Came to a
Clause referring tome as (Fickle
minded) false _ etc. etc. now you
did not tell me who had such
an Exalted idea ofmy mental abil-
ities _ and Personal Honor. nor
do. I care to know Considering
such persons only worthy the
Contempt of all good people
and absolultely beneath my notice.
     I have Known many people
to do well by attending to their
own business _ and letting
other peoples affairs Entirely alone.
     But when they do sofar forget
the dignaty of their position _ and 
the obligation Society impose
upon them _ as to insult _ or Even
apply bitter invectives to those who

have ever treated them with
At least common respect. they
by that act. descend to little
mean contemptible transactions
that at once forfeit all Claim
to friendship or respect. _ and
places them in a position
deserving only the contempt
of good people _
			Dear Emma
I have never misused any person
willingly in my life _ and
to have _ any person _ in my
absence _ when all chances for
self deffence are gone attempt
to _ assail my Character _ I
tell _ you Dearest it is too
severe _ But One thing I
_ am willing to do. I. would
compair our past records
I am not Ashamed of
mine.
	There are Land-marks
by which _ all persons having
even a [faint?] desire to do
right _ may guide themselves 
clear of intentional injury
to any person _ but of course

where
morbid disposition for evil doing
predominates _ There is no hope
and the sooner they founder
and sink _ beneath the waves
of obliveon _ The Sooner the world
is rid of a Curse _ I say
a Curse because such people
are of no account to themselves
or any one Else.
	Well my Dear Emma.
			   I think
I have tried your patience on
that subject but you have
my true sentament.
		             Oh. Emma
what a pleasure it is to love
one so good and true as you
are _ and to have the assurance 
that your love is acknowledg-
-ed  We shall some day if
we remain true topromises be
doubly repaid for our devoted-
-ness to each other _ When we do
meet you may Expect tobe loved
nearly todeath   I Still intend
tovisit you the last of the Sumer
or this fall _ I have a great
responscibility now upon my shoulders
the controll of the business of the office 
responsible to the. Adjutant Genl. alone