Murfreesboro May 20, 1863

My Dear Sisters
	Your letter on the 29th
 and Helen's of the 6th inst. I have 
[recovered?] and am much obliged 
for your [friendship?] in writing such
good and cheerful letters for I need
[illegible] [illegible] house to cheer 
me up [accomiually?] – There 
is enough to keep one busy 
in  mind and body while our duty 
but [illegible] [illegible] wheen I come 
into my [illegible] – My soldier [illegible] 
I get quite despondent in my [illegible] 
[illegible] upon the country – the war – 
my little angel babies and the 
[illegible] through which I have passed 
written the last few years – it seems 
but a short time since I was [illegible] 
often  happiest of men – surrounded 
with my family & family com – 
forts –  with an agreeable society 
& everything to make life desirable

With a disposition to [illegible] myself 
& those around me happy and contented 
but how changed is the scene now 
instead of being surrounded with my 
family & social friends I am in the 
midst of an army of troops surrounded 
by the enemy and everyday looking 
for a contest of strength when thousands 
who now answer to the call of the 
bugle will go down either to an 
eternal rest or to [illegible] a miserable 
[illegible] & [illegible] the sufferings 
of terrible wounds – Instead of 
being quietly seated in my little house 
with all its comforts I am quartered 
in the soldiers tent with [such?] for and 
[illegible] as can be found in this 
country of [illegible] [illegible] – with no 
little lambs to [illegible] & [illegible] & to [illegible] 
the little loving around my 
neck & give me an affectionate hug 
with no beautiful Amelia to worship 
& in whom to confide all my thoughts 
& cares & with whom to share my hopes 
& joys – instead of a life of contentment our 
independence having the power to mingle 
in the society of my dear sisters & others 
at will – it is a life of peril and utter

dependence upon circumstances & 
will of another and yet all this is 
a matter of necessity — our country has been
brought to the terrible conditions which 
requires the sacrifices of [illegible] comforts 
[illegible] society – health – & even life 
and I fear it will be some years 
yet before our troubles will be over.
	I don't know why people support 
the rebellion is going to be put down 
when they dont furnish the means 
to do it – It is my opinion that 
we shall have a war on our hands 
for years to come & that these rebels 
will resist the Government so long 
as there are any of them left to fight
	They will never come into the 
union willingly & we will have 
to hold this country by force of arms 
& possibly people their [illegible] for them 
The [illegible] they feel toward our 
Government & people was never equal
& people might as well begin to educate 
thier sons now growing up, for a 
military career – it is before them 
the character of our nation is changing 
regret it & it is as we may. The 
bold truth stares you in the face — we 
see it in every thing – you who are so far

removed from the scenes of strife and 
from these [illegible] armies dont realize
 it – & wasnt for wont for sometime to come – you 
[illegible] feel it in your taxes & [illegible] prices 
[illegible] [illegible] [illegible] but the change is 
constantly going on and we are 
becoming a military people and have 
now a war of years are our [illegible] 
[illegible] whos I [say?] – I hope I am 
mistaken but fear I am correct in 
my [illegible].
	Your [illegible] of my coming home this sum- 
mer – I hope I shall be able to do so & mean 
to if  possible – If I can I shall try to come 
[illegible] the first of July & [word crossed out] I may bring 
a friend with me – You need not be 
disappointed if I don't come & 
dont at be surprised as my success of coming. 
dont be surprised at anything
	I want to see Kittie & Maggie [illegible] 
[illegible]. I was much relieved by Helens letter 
to hear that Maggie had gotten over her 
[hoops?] – The little lamb will be two years 
old next Sunday – How I would  like to
be there & [illegible] her for her birthday — but 
I will leave this for you to do – 
I will send you with this Great,
 [illegible] photograph it was taken here 
I would need Genl. Thomas' for you also but

[Written sideways on left side]

I have not been able to see or get – but will do so before 
I also sent you a picture of Miss Josephine Reeves, 
whom I call my little rebel. Together with my own photograph 
write [illegible] [illegible] & often [illegible]
[illegible] [illegible?] tell Kittie to be a good girl
& study her books – love her Papa & Maggie
& her Aunties and give her & Maggie lots of
[illegible] [illegible] for
		Affectionately
			Your Brother
				John

[End]