Head Qrs. DistofMemphiS
	         Memphis Tenn. Oct. 22. 1863.
My Own Darling Emma.
			      I arrived
safe in Memphis – two or three days
ago. and would have written immediately
after my arrival – but you remember
darling you promised to write the next
Sunday after I left. Consequently
I Concluded to wait until said letter
arrived _ which was this morning _ and
I assure. you I was glad to learn
you were so promt in writing to me.
	Darling _ after leaving you _ I met
Cousin Deloss in Chicago _ with two
other friends (Telegraph Operators) who
were going to Memphis We Concluded
to go to Theatere that night And proceed
on our journey the next morning but
After returning toour Hotel from the
Theatre _ We found a telegram from
Uncle . at Aurora desiring that we should

go down to Aurora to spend the Sunday
The majority of the Company were
in favor of doing so. and I had to
aquiess _ I had a good time out
there _ But. I was sorry all the time
I did not remain in your dear society.
     Oh My Emma You cannot imagin
how lonely your Mark was after
leaving you _ It seemed to me I could
not go after we arrived at NewBuffalo
But a stern duty _ An obligation
which my Country _ had a right
to demand _ Called me from you _ But
dearest in After Years. You will love
me all the more for doing as I have
     When I arrived in Chicago I
was informed by letter fromt these
Head Qrs. that General Veatch was under
orders to reinforce Rosecranse _ and
that I would must likely find him
gone from here when I arrived
here _ But_ no he was here and give 
a good reception _ He seemed glad
tosee me _ and I in turn was more

more than happy to see him _
           My business was Sadly neg=
-lected and I have been more than
ordinarily busy ever since my return _
    But I am “O.K.” now _
	Darling One. I found many
letters V here for me _ among them
two from you which were decidedly
comforting to me _ good joke on
our Chickaming friends who think
us married I am Very willing they
should think so Let Jim &. Lauren
help to carry out the farse _
     In a measure I was in Earnest
when I told Jim Gowdy that I
turned you over to his Controll _
I wish my friends to Know that I am
not afraid to trust you . and that
I endorse fully and entirely your
conduct during my absence _
	The weather still remains warm
at plesant _
	    Darling – When I write next
time      I will send    you the

“Cruel War”  You must write me
very often darling _ and I will
try and be very prompt in my reply
   If I send by this Mail I must
close now _
     Love to your Mother _ & John &.
family. How's “[illegible in original]”?
     I am very sorry I [illegible in original] was
unfortunate Enough to forget the
Dried fruit John so kindly gave me
     Write Soon _
		I Remain
		    Your Own Loving
		          &. aff. Mark _