Good evening my own Dear Wife & like you how I do wish -"I could say it instead of writing it".  It is now nearly roll call.  I have been down & spent a part of the evening with Lieutenant Henry.  He is a No. 1 man in my estimation, & then I have been talking a good while with the Chaplain.  Mary he is a good man "by their fruits ye shall know them"  He is exerting a good influence in this regiment, particularly with the Officers, with whom he is quite popular.  He Just preaches right to them "thou art the man" about their profanity.  I tell you his influence is seen & felt.  How I enjoy my evenings in such society instead of cards or checkers or songs even.  I have hopes of getting up on this row of tents, but do not be elated over it.  I may fail.  I am trying to do something for the cause for which I sacrificed home & loved family for  The Lieut Col. is a moral man, & Barton told me this evening that his Father & Mother are very pious Babtists.  I am satisfied that he is a true friend of mine. & by the way we have some hopes of his being our Col., But now my little wife I wish you to keep every thing that I write to you about our manuvers here, excuse me for asking this for we have heard  (from Des Moines?) that I was to be 2" Lieut in Co C & I think that it worked against me. & you know that I would be sorry if anything of the kind should be traced back to me.  I find that my paper is almost done.  I must close.  I will try & write oftener if I cannot write so much.  And now my dearest I must bid you good bye.  How I do love to write to you. give my love to Mr. & Mrs Reichmaker & all other friends.  Empson bird is getting along verry well.  Corwin 2 Lt. is a first rate boy.  Tell Mr. Frederick that he is as good a soldier as we have in Co C., he is manly, he & I often go down to the creek together & enjoy a good bath [illegible]  I must bid you good night my precious. Lyle
