I have just filled a sheet to Ursula being especially prompted by the receipt of yours of the 28th ult. With hers enclosed. I felt very sorry on account of her poor heath and poor eyes. So your boy is called Edwin ñ a pretty name. I hope you may all live to meet and be a comfort to each other. I suppose the bushwhackers are not all dead yet; probably that is why so many soldiers are required for the service; to look after them. Last week Mr. Ellis had a letter form his son of the 29th Wis. Stationed at Rolla, Missori, informing of the loss of several belonging to that regiment. The boys had laid down their arms and gone fishing. While they were thus employed a band of guerrillas came and killed some and took others prisoners. Two commissioned officers they hung. I believe Mr. David Brown's two youngest sons, Carlo Thompson, and several young men form this vicinity were in that regiment, but do not know that any of them were killed. Spencer's (Cole) folks had a letter form him recently. Was well at New Orleans. Bur one man of their company was killed by the explosion at Mobile; a Mr. Blakely. We have been hoping the 29th would be discharged, but Spencer, I understood, knew nothing about it with certainly. Various rumors were afloat. I suppose we shall know and rejoice at it when they and you are discharged as God grant you may be and return to gladden the dear ones at home. I know not of much going on of interest. Last Sabbath we all went to a meeting at the church in Hurd's neighborhood. There was a full house, and we had a tolerable sermon; not as good as I heard form Mr. Blackburn on fast day. Camp meeting to commence a week from next Thursday near Clark's school-house on the Madison and Columbus road. Last week we had a woman's prayer meeting here. Only Mrs. Follensbee and Mrs. Piersoll were here; but we enjoyed a precious session. Today to be at Mrs. Follensbee's but it rains some and the grass is too wet for me to go across lots. Hope it will not be given up for I love the plan of prayer; and the Union in the bars of Denominations. Levi, I am glad; and thankful I hope, that you have left the unhealthy region of Duvall's Bluff for a place more healthy region and that you are well. Hope health may be continued to you. I know nothing but they are well at Abner's. They are digging a cellar for a house. Mary Ann is looking better than usual and has a good hired girl; think she does not have to work very hard. The boys go to school some.
We are all well here. Orvitha Chapin is so much better that she rides out frequently. Mr. Thompson has bought part of the Piersoll place. Thomas lives on it, and has been fitting up the house quite comfortable. Mr. Piersoll lives in Mr. Follensbee's log house. Thomas has a smart neat wife, and they seem to be very happy. Clark Laird enlisted and his wife and three children have moved into her father's log house. Suppose they are not very rich; and would probably not have been able to get a living form the sand bank of a farm. And nor, Dear Levi, live near the Savior, and may he sustain you and if consistent with His will soon restore you to the embrace of your loved ones.
I remember you all in my intercessions, and crave and interest in yours.
Your own mother
S.B. Emery.
