I have had the privilege today of listening to a sermon by Chaplain Wilford, form the text, "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." The meeting was under the shade of trees near our camping place.
The citizens were present with us and a Mr. Billings made the closing prayer. I believe he is a preacher. The mode of conveyance here is on horseback and I expect the people when collecting would have reminded our fatheres and mothers of days of yore. We are still camped where we were when I last write. Ursula, the people is this vicinity are in good circumstances are quite generous, and while I luxuriate in fruitful peach orchards I think of the 'wife I left behind me,' and wish that she could share the luxury with me. But perhaps although the old plantation (in Highland) does not furnish peaches it may furnish some other luxuries, that in a measure compensates for the loss of peaches. I fervently hope that your health is such that you can enjoy the luxuries of the season.
Talk about soldiering, as far as we are concerned, I could not reasonably expect to live easier under any circumstances that we are now living. Probably 1 ? hours guard duty to do in a week, occasional fatigue duty and most of the time at liberty to sleep and ramble over the country without even asking permission. We are as pleasantly situated (with the exception of news and reading matter) as we could expect to be, some thousand miles form home. Yes, that's what the matter, but I still hope that if our lives are spared we will meet before long. The boys are in good health with exception of a few ague cases that break out occasionally. I hope that I have got is worn out, as it is so long since I have had a chill. I weigh (162) one hundred sixty two just before leaving Batesville and I hardly think I have lost since peaches have ripened. Our company are mostly in squads of four, who button their tents together and by means of Crotches and poles erect their tents so high that the lower edges are two or three feet from the ground.
Our squad is composed of Thos. Smith, John Walsh, and LeRoy B. McCullom (all from West Albany) and myself from Highland.
Jonny Walsh is a mercurial little Irishman, whose yarns we use our discretion about believing. LeRoy B. McCullom is some on argument and pretty tonguey. Thos. Smith is more of a practical Irishman than Johnny Walsh but pretty good company. Well, Ursula, I hope that this will find you improved in health and in good spirits.
Love to all and write when convenient.
To Your Affectinate Husband
Levi Emery.
