“And now hoping that the giver of all good will steer our frail crafts over this now unhappy country to meet happily once more”

[Undated and no location, 1863 in banner, possibly shortly before June 28 mention of receiving children’s pictures, wants to see theirs and the children’s pictures]

Dear Clara,

I have just been and had my face pulled but I think you will hardly know me. I suppose it looks like me with the exception of looking so cross. It don’t look to me to be natural, but the boys say it looks just the same as I do only it is awful cross. Dear Clara, perhaps my looks have changed some since I have been down here, but my heart is not, unless it is for the better.

I would like to see ours and the children’s pictures first rate. I suppose they have altered some. But I think I should know them if they should come where I was quick. I wish I never had of left them but that can’t be helped now.

And now hoping that the giver of all good will steer out frail crafts over this now unhappy country to meet happily once more, and war and strife be at an end amongst humanity and nations forever, I remain your Husband,

Sergt.. Peter. L. Dumont

[bow shaped flourish or banner with “146 N.Y.S.V. 1863” in it]