Civli War Letters

Your welcomed letter of the 20th ult. Received today. I am glad to learn your health is so good. I hope that your eyes will continue to grow stronger. I has sore eyes long enough a while ago to give me an idea of what they are. I think my eyes are not very strong yet. I have had some experience at picket duty. A detachment of our regiment and some others started up White River form this place a few days ago. We arrived in the evening at a place called Nigger Hill (or part of us, part of the expedition destined for another point). Arriving there we marched that night to West point fifteen miles distant, stopping and surrounding the houses in search of rebs. Our detachment captured three rebs, three horses and brought back a few colored individuals, and some other tuck. We arrived at West Point by three o'clock in the morning and waited a spell for morning, but I did not sleep any.

We started about five o'clock and got in before sunrise and then were divided into squads of four and a non-commissioned officer and searched the houses for firearms, rebs, or anything contraband. The officers of our squad did not plunder, and all that our squad took away was an ammunition flask, I believe. After resting a spell we started back. On the way back I rode perhaps two miles. Arriving at Nigger Hill, I stood picket guard through the night, I stood picket guard through the night, (being relieved of course as usually) and the next morning started down river on the boat for Duvall's Bluff, (Ark.) The whole expedition captured quite a number of prisoners.

In regard to the land: Frank gave me a mortgage on his, for which of course he would want a satisfaction piece if he pays it, and Mr. Martin has a mortgage from me on the whole for which I would want the same of course when we pay it. I would like to pay up all we can and (but) leave you plenty of means to make you perfectly comfortable. I do not want you to deprive yourself of anything that will conduce to your happiness.

I would like to see the boy and hope ere long I will. You have a place in my mind during my dreams as well as during my wakeful hours. I hope that your eyes will admit of your writing once in two weeks, a letter form you, dear Sula, is valued so highly.

Well, Sula, I hope that you will not get low spirited but will enjoy yourself, putting your trust in the Lord. Let us endeavor to live near our Savior and live in His honor and glory. Please give my love to the folks. I often think of their kindness to me. Please write soon to your affectionate husband
Levi Emery.

Mrs. U.W. Emery.

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