64

	Head Quarters Dist. ofMemphiS
	     Memhis Tenn. January 16.th 64.
My own Loved Emma.
			     I received your Ever
loving letter this morning _ and oh! My Emma
My heart leaped for Joy as I perused it.
You are somuch different from the most
ofgirls _ Dearest Never again say youare
not good enough for me for you are
every way my equal if not my Peer _
	For some time after I left Chickaming
I was Sorry that arrangements were not
made for you tocome too _ But now I
see it is much better as it is _ for General
Veatch has been ordered into the field
with the Entire 16.th Army Corp's _ General
Sherman has also issued , an Order return-
-ing all Enlisted men on detached service as
Clerks, and Orderlies, be returned imediately
to their respective Commands _ Consequently
you see your Mark is in something ofafix

according to the tenor of Shermans Order
I am virtually relieved from duty with
General Veatch _ but the Asst. Adjutant
Genl. &. Genl. V. declare I shall remain
with them at all hazzards _ We have sent
all the clerKs totheir Commmands Except
myself, and one other. Most likely I will
accompany Genl. V. in this Contemplated
Campaign _ I think our final destination
will be Mobile Alabama _ stopping a
short time at Jackson Miss _. I will
try, and Keep you posted as to trans-
-piring Events_
	             We will have a long, and
fatiguing march full of hardship's , and
some little danger _ but every thing Con-
-sidered _ I am glad _ for darling I want
something exciting now _ I have vested some
time. besides dear Emma there will be
some chance for glory _ for we have got
some fighting todo before we can
take Mobile _
		Darling &. much loved Emma,

when you write again send your
letter in care of Wm. B. Somerville, Manager
Military Telegraph _ as I dont now positively
Know what I am going todo or where
I am togo _ You Know Pet. a soldier
is always subject toorders _ and I may
be compelled togo to Texas or some where
Else _ in spite of my friends, and their
Earnest endeavors tothe Contrary _
     My Emma you are right Lauren
Otis is agood boy, and will always have
friends _ no matter where he is _ and I
am glad you, and he are good friends _
   By the way darling you say very little
lately regarding Jim _ or his father. How
are they prospering _     I dont Know why
our letters should be so very irregular _ there
must be some reason for it.
	I had almost began to despair
about ever hearing from you _ until
recently _ but I did not for one moment
doubt your affection _ no indeed!
	How is your Mothers health this winter

You are having very Cold weather, I see by
the Papers  _ all over the Northern Country
It has been rather cool here too. in fact
More so than was Even Known before _
   If I were only with you. this winter
how happy we should be _ would'nt 
we have some splendid old Cutter Rides _
Eh? I imagine I hear you say yes!
   But Pet. So long as my country is En-
titled tomy Service we should say nothing
but look forward to a happy meeting
when war is among the things that were
and Victory. glorious victory _ has
decided in favor of the Union Cause
and when Peace _ with its smiling face
and benign influences _ shall make
sun shine in all. hearts _ yet: gayer, and
more joyous than all of these will
we be when _ we shall be restored
toeach other _   Let us hope, and pray
that no misfortune may cause us to
shed tears _ where we now expect gladness
     Write soon – address as I said before
Very best respects to Lauren, Jim, your
BrotherJon, and family _ and lots
oflove toyou, and your Mother
		I Remain your own loving
				Mark.