United States Military Telegraph,
	Department of the Tennessee
    Assistant Quartermaster and Superintendent's Office
		Memphis, Feby 7th 1864.
My own fondly loved Emma
				Once more
after an absence of more than two
weeks I find myself back in the
City of Memphis _ and I embrace
the very first moment to address
you my Emma _ I have Just re-
turned from Vicksburg _ and New _
Orleans where I was sent on Govt.
business _ the Contemplated trip to
Chicago was made by my friend
Snow _ while I was sent in an
opposite direction _ I was very
sorry matters could not be other-
wise arranged _ but the Ruling
power ordained different and
I could but acquiess _ Well
after going to New Orleans and
returning to Vicksburg I met Genl.
Veatch with his Entire Division
Enroute for Mobile _ I suppose
He also had an order from
MajorGeneralSherman

[Written sideways on left-hand side of Scan 1]

Love to your Mother _ I am sorry tolearn
she is not in health
		Respects to John &. family   Mark

assigning me for the present to
duty in the Office of Asst. Supt
of Military Telegraph Dept. of the Tenn.
	The Office is very plesant and
Every thing considered I am glad
ofit _ for my health this winter
is decidedly too bad to take
the field notwithstanding my in-
-clinations are in that direction
	Dearly Beloved Emma I have
been afraid you would worry
on my account as it was so
long towait before hearing from 
me _ But Iwrote to you just before
starting for New _ Orleans _ and I
Knew there was no use ofwriting
from the latter place as you
could not receive it any in ad-
-vance ofthis letter _ written on my
return _    Now sweet Emma you
Know the Cause ofmy long silance
Dear One _ Could I but clasp you
this morning tomy aching heart
how happy would I be _ Oh dear
One I can hardly Express my
affection for you _ let it suffice
that you are dearly dearly loved

by a heart Entirely your own _ and
some day _ when the light ofPeace shall
once more adorne our land will
we prove toall that “True love
is never forgotten”_
	 	I think James Gowdy's
conduct very queer _ dont you pet _ I
would not much wonder if he was a
little in love with some one _
what doyou think darling?
		We are having most beau-
_tiful weather here – as warm as you
have in Michigan in may. Oh! if
my Pet was only here we would
Enjoy it Oh so much _ Darling One
it seems to be the impressiong ofmany
that the hard fighting is all over _
and that we shall all soon
be restored to friends _ and loved
ones _ Oh! dont you hope so 
dont you look forward with
a beating heart tothe moment when
you can Embrace Some One
, and Exclaim the “war is over”
, and I am happy _ I look forward
to a happy moment when I can


look into “Some ones” Eyes and say
Darling _ hence forward through this
life our path is one _ We are one
     Oh! If I could only see you for
a little while my Emma _ Ishould
be happy _ Indeed I am always
contented when in your society
I could always live with you
in happiness any where _ you are
my life my _ Existence myall
Do you love me thus _ Could you love
me in circumstances the reverseof
the present _ If I were despised
by all mankind would your
love then be as now? Oh! yes
I Know it would I Know you
are true good _ and noble
I love you very dearly,
     Write to me soon pet. I am
compelled tobe brief this time
will write again in a dayor
two _ found both ofyour letters
here on my return _
     Address me _ as follows _ Office Supt.
Mil. Telegh _ Memphis _ Lock Box 250
care of Capt. W.G. Fuller [illegible due to ink smudge] you get
all that on Pet
	     write toone that loves
	        you dearly  yourown 
				   Mark

[Written sideways on left-hand side of Scan 4]

	Advices from Home state my Sister nearly
recovered _ Thank God if she be spared _
				Mark

[Written sideways on right-hand side of Scan 4]

         Look at that horrid Blot on my letter
it was purely accidental I am sorry. Excuse it