Head Quarters Dist of Memphis
		Memphis Tenn. 22. July 1863
My Own Fondly Loved Emma,
			              Your
darling good letter came to
hand safely this morning _ and
dearly fondly loved Emma you
who love with all the fervor of “First
Love” Know how I felt. I declare
my heart fairly fluttered _ and
why Because her whom I loved
so very dearly _ had expressed on that
paper her thoughts _
	I begin to feel some
better “off” _ notwithstanding I was
indeed sorely vexed _ why Mr. Gowdy
should thus attack me is more

than I can immagin _ and dear
Girl were it not for appearing vin-
-dictive I would make him rue
it. I do really immagin when
I was with Mr. Gowdy in Chickaming
that he was as good a friend to me
as he Can be to any one _ But
I will dropp the subject Entirely
for I do Consider such Conduct
really beneath my Contempt
   We will see where the thing will
End _
	Darling. you are a dear
good girl and I Know it
I am sure were you and I
now living in the same town we
would &.Could enjoy ourselves.
How strange that we did not tell
our Love” before _ But dear be

very patient _ These are very
severe times – We Know
very little who – or what to trust
But Loved Emma methinks in
the future distinctly Can be
seen better &happier times
	I am now more Confident
than ever in the ability of the
Government to Crush this Rebellion
The opening of the Mississippi in
Military Circles if regarded
as the “begining of the End” _
	Charlie Goodwin is at Vicks-
=burg _ I dont Know how long
Genl Veatch will remain 
in Memphis _ I hope until
Winter _ Then I want the active
field Campaign _ and
I guess we will have it

Cousin Deloss is first _ rate –
or was the other Evening when
I Called upon him _ He showed 
me a letter dearest that he
had Just received from
you.
       Dear Emma I must Close
as I have not space to write
but little more and I am
very tired _ and my labors
for this Evening not near Ended
    Write soon to me Love
      Best respects to Jon. &. family
Love to your Mother
	 Many many dear Kisses
		I Remain
			Your Own Loving
				Mark