30 Miles South Fusealoisa Centerville, Alabama April 29, 1863

My Dear Laura,

This is the first opportunity I have had to write since I arrived in Camp, and as we have direct mail communication I know that this will reach you and I request that you immediately write an answer to this and mail it to this place instant you have a good chance to send it by someone of the company. You can write by Lut Saddler or Martin Mattox.

I reached Command in four days after leaving home and greatly to my pleasure found that it was all right though had I been two days later I would have been reported as absent without leave. My health is much better than when I left home. I am now in good-spirits - but would enjoy this beautiful spring morning much more if I was with my beloved wife.

I am now acting orderly Sergeant for the Company. Consequently I am much more engaged, but there is nothing like employment for a soldier. He thinks less of home and passes off the time more agreeably.

I know not what we are expected to do here in the middle of the state. So far from the Army - and the country is very poor. So much so that we are completely compelled to move often for forriage. Some say that we will soon be compelled to move back to the prairie country in Mississippi and I know that nothing will be more pleasing to me, for my only thought is of you and home.

God grant that we may all be allowed the pleasure of once more returning to our homes and beloved ones.

My dear, I want you to manage matters at home the best you can - and tell Mr. Banks that as soon as Christina gets able to do anything to try and make some disposition of her either have her out or put her to work.

I am very much enraged at Posey for burning my letters - when he heard that I had gone home he burnt the letter you sent by the Negro also one that Sister Mat had written. Tell her I am indeed sorry that I did not receive it and that I will write to her as soon as an opportunity offers. Tell her to write to me again soon.

Tell Sister Tine that Posey is all right but can beat all grunting or complaining of the hard ground he sleeps on.

We have a beautiful company place on the Columbia River and I think we will remain for some time. So don't fail to write as soon as you get this.

Give my love to Ma and all who feel an interest in my welfare.

Kiss my little ones and farewell my own dear beloved Laura.

I am your devoted husband,

Copyright 1998-2005  Richard Collins, All Rights Reserved

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