It is now a long time or at least it seems to me since I received my letter form you. I hope that you and Edwin are enjoying as good health as I am. But I am feeling some anxious about you. Perhaps, Sula, that you are in hopes that we will soon be on our way home, and consequently deferring to write. I have until very recently been in hopes that the welcome order would come for us to be mustered out, but form what I have heard last evening and this morning I am not quite as hopeful. Four of the companies are at Jacksonport and the Colonel makes that his headquarters. Our Captain (Capt. Hancock) was down there and returned yesterday. This morning, after inspection, he made a few remarks, giving us the substance of a speech that he said Colonel Mattson made to the boys at Jacksonport. He said that there were four classes in the Rgt. Namely: The one year men who would doubtless be mustered out at the expiration of their year; The drafted men who were conscripted for three years, consequently could be held that long, unless on an order to the contrary were issued; The Volunteer recruits, who were also mustered in for three year; and the Veterans also. But in regard to the Veterans he said that there was some misunderstanding, or at least that mustering officer took the responsibility to muster them in for three years, or during (duration of) the war, which if he had had the authority to insert 'or during (duration of) the war', would have rendered their part of the contract filled at the expiration of the war, but he had not the authority or at least so they say. He said he was going to Little Rock to see what could be done, and should apply for leave of absence to go to Washington. He talked as though, putting in the pleas that the Veterans re-enlisted understanding that their tern of service was to close at the termination of the war, might cause them to issue an order for the discharge of the regiment. The argument, Ursula, is this, that the Veterans and three year recruits, enlisting after 1862 also the three year conscripts, were enlisted under the call for three years, nothing being said about 'during (duration of) the war.' I hardly see why it has not been hinted before to the regiment, but for charity's sake, we will suppose that it has just got through the officers' skulls.
Many of the boys are getting uneasy and talk as though they will go home on their own hook if not in a legitimate way, before long, but I hope that their better judgment will dictate a wiser course. I still hope that our lives may be spared to meet at the expiration of the three years. Ursula, how are you situated pecuniary? If I am retained in the army the whole time, I must try and economize as much as possible, so as to send you all that I can. In fact Ursula, I would rather that you would sell the farm than pinch along, especially as your health is delicate. God bless you my dear brave wife, and enable you to put your trust in Him Who seethe not as man seethe and not withstanding disappointments, enable you to brave them after all, and fill your heart with joy unspeakable, and full of glory. I have not had the ague since the time I wrote you about it.
Mr. Ellis, the wounded man is getting along finely, so he does not need watchers. If your health will permit I hope that you will write soon. Please remember me to the folks, and please write when convenient
From your Affectionate Husband
Levi Emery.
To Mrs. Ursula W. Emery
P.S.
Do not think that I have got the blues on account of the turn that the mustering affair seems to have taken, I mean to try and take these things cool and enjoy myself as well as I can.
Yours truly
Levi Emery.
