Your kind favor of the 5th - 11th was received by me a few days ago, and I embrace the first convenient opportunity to answer it. I have been on a boat guarding some lumber most of the time since receiving it until now. I regret to learn that your eyes are so weak. I hope that you can find some remedy that will help them. Many thanks for you solicitude in sending me some money and stamps. I am now situated so that I do not need to spend money for eatables. I have a good overcoat, Sula, and well supplied otherwise. I would like very well to step in and see you and the boy. I hope that de does not give you as much trouble as he did when younger. You need not fear, Dear Sula, that I feel any hardness toward you for hasty words spoken to me for they were very few, etc.,
(then follow some apologetic lines)
I have felt sometimes since I have been far from you, that I did not consult with you in regard to my trades as much as I should have done! I trust, Dear Sula, that although far form you, I shall always conduct myself so that if I am permitted to return, I can assure my wife that I have an unsullied reputation. I know that I am weak and prone to error, but trusting in Christ for strength I am endeavoring to act the part of a Christian. Let us live near our Savior, Sula, and go to Him for comfort when feeling lonesome or gloomy. If you can procure anything to help your eyes I hope that you will do it, for I know somewhat how to pity you, having had sore eyes for a short time. It is the opinion of many that the conscripts will be held but one year, but I do not know how it is but we had better not put too much confidence in such opinions until certain. I got a letter form Mother lately. She asked me to give her love when I wrote. Please remember me to all the folks especially to the soldier, (Edwin Metcalf) when you write him. Please direct to Levi Emery, Care of Agt. Union San. Com.
There is some talk that the troops will be paid soon, but if they are not, I am not in need, really of money now being so well supplied with clothes and good board.
Thanking you again for you very kind letter I will bid you a kind good-night, hoping soon to hear from you again. From your affectionate husband
Levi Emery.
