#31



	Elk River, Tenn. Apr. 19th / 64
my dear wife I have found time once more to sit
down and write so I improve the time to write to
you I told you in my last I talked of leaving
camp as soon as I was able well I started one
week ago to day the Colonel gave me a pass to go to
Elk River 46 miles from Bridgeport Well I got on
the cars at Bridgeport and instead of their taking
					 rout
me to elk river they took me the other way 
around by huntsville, Athens and so on to
Nashville well then I didnt know what they
would do with as my pass did not allow me
to go further than Estel Springs or Elk River
Well I went to the transportation office and
the man there how the thing was and he
gave me a pass back for the next day So
I went to the soldiers home and staid all night
in the morning went and see Wm and made
him a good visit and at noon started for my
destination again and got here about ten
Oclock at night so I rode nearly 300 miles to get
46 miles Well I had a good chance to see the
country where I never was before and the
				 ssom
peach trees were all in full blossom.
Scattered all over the country and they made
it look beautifull I have not got a letter

from you this week but expect it to day. We
have sent for the mail to Bridgeport. John is
here the boys here are all well and hearty they
are building block houses to guard the bridge here
I think my health is improving quite fast I
have a bad cough yet but have gone to cooking
again. I think my leaving camp is a benefit
to my health. Now how do you all get along at
home. Are you any better my dear than
when I last heard from you does the
children get tough you are all in the 
hands of God   may he ever watch and
protect you and O may he preserve all of you
alive untill my return for I dont think
I could Endure to have my home made desolate
by the loss of one of my dear ones untill my
return well the above is my constant pray(er)
both by night and by day I should like much
to see you all and clasp me in my arms again but
these things cannot be at present So I will not
repine but will trust in the Lord. I dont
think of much to write this week it is rather
dull times as to what will interest you Has
Doll got a colt yet and how does every thing prosper
Bassetts Boys got a Box from home the day I
left Bridgeport the things were all in good order


			Apr. 19th, 64


but the eggs they were all spoiled I want you to
write and tell me how town meeting went off and
who was elected to office there I suppose they
are all Copperheads that is left in that town by
this time well let them wait till the soldiers
get home and then we will show them I suppose
we will have a chance to vote this fall well if the
Soldiers dont roll up a good Majority for the un-
conditional surrender of the rebels I miss my guess.
that is all tell Arden pa sends his kiss to him
and to baby to – pa would like to see their little 
curly heads again I dont know but I should
squeeze you all to death   the water is very
high here yet it rains a good deal it is kind of
cold dull weather here in the sunny south now
I saw some people planting corn on my rout
here but it seems to me to be rather cold yet
to plant Well I shall have to say good bye
again as my sheet is all most full give
my respects to all inquiring friends and keep
my love for you and the children   May God
bless you from Your husband to his wife
C E P H		Simeon A Howe