The weather is dry,
clear, and very cold and windy
  Last night was fearfully cold
but there was so high a wind
that we had little or no frost.
and it is too cold to allow
me to write with a very great
degree of comfort, as I can not
get near any fire to write.
Two years, aye, one year ago. I
would have thought it im
possible to Endure the cold
and fatigue that I now do
and yet I feel no stronger.
Although the difference in the
climates of Virginia and Mich
is almost imperceptible yet the
air of Va. is much purer. and more
conducive to health than that of Mich

    I am glad to hear the report
of Rene's death contradicted. as
I have never been able to satisfy
myself. that it was true. It was
impossible to believe that death
was his fate. and I now feel
much cheered by the hope that
we shall again meet when
“this cruel war is over” and
peace is again known.
    I received a letter from
aunt Jeannette a couple
of days since. She said nothing
concerning her ill health
but seemed as cheerful and
placid everything in as
pleasant a light as she usuale
does and her letters are always
cheerful and full of interest
to me.

    Received a letter from
Martha Darling at the
same time in which she
desired me to send her
best wishes to you and
Mother. She is attending school 
at Ypsilanti but will leave
at the close of the present
term.
     I was very happy to learn
of your good health and trust
that it may continue so for 
many years to come. It gives
me great pleasure to know
that times are so prosperous
at home. The people of the
north know nothing of
the ravages of war and of
the hardships endured, not 
only by the soldiers, but

also by the citizens whose lot
it is to live in the invaded 
portions of our country. My 
heart sickens when I see a
family, (as I often do) stripped
of everything to eat and their
houses burned down and
think of the coming winter.
     Yet many of them are guilty
of harboring the (worse than 
highwaymen,) guerrillas and
to secure our own safety such
measures seem almost just.
     Hoping to hear from you and
Mother again soon I remain 
as ever your
		Affectionate Son
			Edwin R Havens