Lyle Nov 23rd 1862
 No. 7 
Camp Patterson Mo. Nov 23d 1862 
My own Dear Mary:  I received yours of Nov 12th & 13th yesterday.  I am happy to know that you are well & enjoying yourself so well. I am enjoying excellent health.  The health of our Regiment is improving very rapidly.  In fact, had it not been for Measels & Mumps there would have been but little sickness among us. 
You must not feel so anxiously about me.  I am doing well while my health continues so good.  There may be times when I cannot write as often as I could wish particularly when we are on a march & there might be weeks that you might not hear from me, be not discouraged.  I have an abiding trust in Him Who rules our destiny as well as the destiny of Nations.  We had preaching this afternoon by the Chaplain.  Rev Captain Roach followed him.  How I should enjoy it to be with you this winter & attend church with you & sit in our own church & hear our own dear Pastor.  How often do I think past privaleges And how little do we aprciate present blessings while they are being lavishly showered uppon us.  When we absent ourselves from home then it is that we appreciate the blessings of domestic & social life.  I would not have you think from what I have said that I regret having enlisted under the flag of my Country to help fight her battles.  NO, NEVER  What I have sacrificed I do from conscious duty.
