it is no use to talk.  You will see that I am out of humor.  The whole army is in the same humor.  There are not 100 men in this Regiment that would enlist today if they were out of it.  Now, my Mary, I wish you to keep what I say to you on this subject strictly to yourself.  I do not wish others to know what I think or say on this subject.  I mean it all for you.  Please keep it to your self, for if I had not such implicit confidence in you I should not write this, as I feel Rumors are coming in tonight that we are to be attacked in the morning.  That there are 15,000 Rebels on the south side of Current R., and say that if we did not link up our Bridges they would would..  Now there is something singular about a soldier life.  Most of the boys (when I say "boys" I mean soldiers) are discussing the matter as coolly as if they were going out on a wolf hunt..  Corwin is sitting up beside me a great big man. I think he will make a good soldier, away above many who Jeered at him at the Picknick at Uncle Johns' & other places.  Bird is not verry well but is better.  he don't want me to say anything about it.  I am satisfied that he had better be at home, but keep this as strictly as any thing else.  he would think verry hard of me - Hedge has came in from Pilot Knob this evening with a large train of wagons 8 ms. back, with provisions.  I am sorry to send such a letter
