Camp Convalisent

July 4th 1863

 

ÒThis is the most lonely & Impresive [sic] 4th of July I ever saw  I am well in body but sick in heart & mind but I hope this will find you all well at home.Ó  He got her telegram Wednesday and took it to the Colonel who sent it to Washington to the War Department to get it signed.  HeÕs not confident heÕll get it (furlough) so she shouldnÕt be disappointed.  ÒLast night I had a dream & I thought I was at home & I always take dreams rite the reverse so I donÕt place any confidence in comingÓ.  He doesnÕt blame her because she has done her duty and more.  He and Fletch had their likenesses taken with their new uniforms (Zouaves?) and he thought she might like it in case heÕs not coming home.  Pictures are expensive there, it cost a dollar and 70 cents.  He loaned Fletch 2 dollars and Fletch says he will pay Peter or send a letter to Dave and have Dave pay Clara.

 

They got news that General Lee is captured along with 100 pieces of artillery and 50 thousand rebels.  Everyone is fussing and ÒhurahingÓ but he thinks itÕs too good to be true.  ÒThere has been no 4th of July here to day not even so much as a fire cracker  it has been dredful [sic] still except Services at the ChapelÓ.  HeÕs starting to feel resigned to his fate that he wonÕt get a furlough but he still has hopes and wants her to keep up good courage for his sake.