Murfreesboro June 14, 1863 My Dear Sisters, we are still at Murfreesboro & still have our rations in our haversacks ready for a move but we shall not, probably, move until something decisive transpires at Vicksburgh. [No any?] day may find us on the march or [illegible] in a battle for when we move we shall move into the [enemy?] as he is [written?] six miles of [illegible] and when we advance it will be upon heirs – still I think he will fall back to Shelbyville & [illegible] for a big battle & between this & those places. The fighting will be only by skirmishes I have recently been permitted to mount 40 men of my Regiment in order that we may need more effective service as Provost Guards. My duties as Provost [Written upside down in left margin up to the top] to [nettle?] little [illegible] and embrace them & if I am favored with luck I shall have the privilege within the next two months I hope mother Noyes will [make?] you the visit she [contemplates?] as she feels very anxious to me the children & Kitten would be delighted to see her [Grandma] – She will need undoubtedly [devise?] to have Kittie go home with her but I [don't?] want her to go for the present – If (you (Helen ever get [illegible] from your [illegible] need I want you to go to Coldwater [illegible] to [illegible] or to look after my [several words illegible] a visit – but you had better go [illegible] Have with the children write me if I ever [crossed out word] get our [illegible] [illegible] to [several words illegible] – Goodbye John Marshall are increasing daily. I am kept very busy in Looking after the duties of [illegible]. And in taking care of [my?] Regiment but I manage to get along with Every Thing without any trouble & satisfactionly – I am glad you had so pleasant A visit with Helen Maggie & Josephine & secretly wished I had been of there [illegible] that gathered round the old beard – But it is doubtful if I ever [illegible] one [illegible] circle – you spoke in affectionate terms of Josephine which I was glad to hear as I love her & always shall & always have -- and for a time in my youth I hoped to have been blesSed with her society in life and for a time in my widower life I entertained the [illegible] hope – but Like my youthful hopes my Later ones have been blasted and I have given them a [illegible?] with The hopes of youthful days – I could explain my [illegible] did I [illegible] is [necessary?] or expedient but it is Better that nothing be said about it -- I love Josephine & always shall [Written sideways on left side] & also from your letter that Kittie [wont?] to Miss Reeves I hope she is not encouraged in it as it is possible I may take her north with me and if I do I want Kitten to love her as she will when she becomes more acquainted I [illegible] want to bring Kittie back with me & make a visit to thee [illegible] of thee army – kiss & hug her for me & Maggie also – Oh how I would [End] & shall ever hope for her prosperity & happineys – Present her with my heart- felt [illegible?] for her kindness to my beautiful Maggie & Kittie ~ I was as much disappointed As you were that Mrs. [Williams?] & Miss Reeves did not visit you nor [illegible] as I made them both promise to do so but Miss Joe had spent more time in Buffalo than she intended and they came in a great hurry out this way to N.Y—Mss Joe did not stop in Buffalo on her return— It was not very [illegible]! That she should have been so [illegible] silent on the [con?] or [illegible] still I was [illegible] and she did not speak with Kittie my precious lamb—She was a stranger to all and undoubtedly felt a good deal embarrassed & was aware that every look & action & word would be observed & [enti?] – she felt that she was in an awkward position – being looked upon as my friend she knew that if she took any particular notice of Kittie it would be [illegible] new upon & not knowing Kittie's affectionate dispon- tion she did not know as it would do to make advances towards her – Miss Joe [Written sideways on left side] You do not tell me anything about Kittie going to school I hope she goes regularly – If she does not I want you to employ someone to teach her at home – she must be Made to learn – it will not [illegible] [to teach?] her neglect her foundation For an education – I see from a letter I rcd from “Tate” [End] is very quick when first made [illegible] with [illegible] but is a great talker and full of fun when she knows more [illegible] [illegible] – I [illegible] Kitten would like her very much I also think you would but of course I cant tell certain -- she has many peculiarities – is young -- & [illegible] [illegible] but generally very frank in her [experiences?] but I have learned to like her very much and in the absence of Kittie & Maggie I have [illegible] considerable affection upon her if I should go north this [summer?] you need not be at all surprised if I bring her with me – and you need not be disappointed if I do not-- [illegible?] all my troubles and [illegible] this perilous life I am leading I [illegible] I dont know myself – and often feel quite indifferent as to my future My whole [care is contained in?] my little angels whose [guardians?] you now are [illegible] is not for them I think I should feel quite disappointed ~ This war is not only demoralizing this nation but her people also & this I am not conscious of any such effort upon myself I feel that I am not as good a man as I was before entering the army – but I am not going to [illegible] myself there are others who give affection enough [illegible] & cou probably do [my?] better justice though I cou do myself – I don't know as I cou [Written sideways on left side] obtain a leave of absence to go home this summer and [illegible] going to make the effort before long – My visit will [illegible] be very short if I [illegible?] as the [illegible] [illegible] [care] [illegible?] only 20 days and just show he is not granting any leave at all. [End]