“I thought I would send you a homemade, or rather Army made, Valentine”

[Undated and no location, probably between February 8 and February 14, 1864, mentions Valentine’s Day, cold is better, Tom and Hank, Julia staying with Clarinda, same pen and signature flourish as February 7, 1864]

Dear Wife,

Through a great mistake made by me, I again write to you hoping that you will soon correct it. I was on guard, and officer of the guard, at Gen. Warren’s Headquarters, and while there I received a letter from Eliza at St. Johnsville stating that she wanted me to write to her. She sent the paper and envelopes and postage, and so I took out my lead pencil and answered her letter, and at the time I got it finished I was called away on some other business and, being in a hurry, I left it for someone else to direct and told them to direct it to you, all the time not thinking of the mistake until it was too late.

I don’t know what you will think about it, but I write so little to other folks it comes second nature to me to direct it to you. When you receive this I hope you will remail hers and send it on to her. Don’t tell her of the mistake and perhaps she will never know of it.

My cold is getting a great deal better and I hope these few lines will find you all well at home. I thought I would send you a homemade, or rather Army made, Valentine and see how you would like it. It looks just like the house I live in now.

I received a letter from you today. Let Julia stay there as long as you please. I don’t think Kate and Hank had a right to feel mad at you. They might get a living, I should think, as well as other folks.

Take good care of your health, my Clara. So goodbye until you hear from me again,

Pete L. D.