Head Qrs. Dist. of Memphis
	    Memphis Tenn. 17.th Aug. 1863.
Dear darling Emma
			Your
last very Kind and loving letter
reached me in due time _ but
Some time since I have been
feeling very bad _ Darling I
would not say anything to
you of such things for I Know
it will make you feel badly
but you Know my Dear we promised

to tell Each other every thing. and
we will keep our promise _
	I was attacked by some Kind
of feaver butby Careful usage
I am Once more in the Office
filling my place _ and although
not entirely reCovered _ I expect
tobe Convalescent soon.
	Oh! My Emma _ how I did
long tosee you as I lay in my
room burning with that sickness _
     General Veatch was over to see
me the night I was “sickest”
_ and it seems I was delerious
and talked Continually of Emma.
So they say I am fairly Cornered
and might as well own up regarding
her which I am willing todo

    for no one can plague or
trouble me regarding those
I love.    My mother left Aurora
Illinois the 10.th day of August
for Minnesota _ When she learned
that I Could not meet her She
was anxious to come and see me
but owing to the unhealthiness of
the Season I Could not for
one moment harbour such an
idea.   However I gave her my
promise to use my best endevors
to see her sure before winter
and darling I intend doing
So too _ And dear Girl When
we meet I am sure we will
be the happiest of the happy _ Oh! if
I were only free today _ I would

see you before this letter reaches
you _ Darling Loved One
be very careful of your health
you are naturally delicate and
proper attention is necessary
in order to preserve it
     Darling I am fealing
too bad to write any more
at present excuse it _ Yet accept
ten thousand Kisses _
  Love to your Mother Respects to
Jon. &. family Every time.
     I will write to you again
ere very long _
	Please answer soon
		I Remain
	              Your Own Loving
			              Mark