But I tremble for the too confiding.  I will give you my reasons for thus writing when I see you.  I am on my last page & I must briefly allude to some items as they may come to my mind, by mistake I sent home your likeness, with the package of letters.  I did not look at it so often as I did the one in the locket as it did not look like you did when I left you & only confused my mind as to your appearance when we parted.  I take many a long look at the picture in the locket.  I sent two blankets, one dress coat, pr mittens, cap a military book, & some specimens of native Iron ore - the blankts I intended for horse blankets, the coat Cy may wear if he wishes, the book give to Cy, the specimens keep with our other specimes from Pikes Peak &c.  Austin says you did not get enough for that ox, as he was well fated & would have weighed over 1700 lbs.  If he is what he professes to be he should pay you the full value of the ox.  I take it that Austin is competent to Judge.  I shall not allow any man to enjoy my confidence or esteem who will take advantage of my absence.  I hope you will succeed in getting a school in Smith's district.  I think you could ocupy your time pleasantly there -  Well I must stop writing & eat dinner & then go on Battallion drill.  good bye for the present.  4 Oclock P.M. We have had a fine drill.  You say that they are talking of having a concert or festival for the benefit of the soldiers, do you suppose that one can of port or bottle of wine or anything good would ever reach the common soldier?  You need not try it.  You would only be the victims of Jeers & Jokes in some "festival" in the army.  send nothing of the kind unless you should send it by some verry reliable man you know.  There are a great many little incidents I would like to relate, but must wait as to the destiny of this nation.  You verry properly say "our Heavenly Father Knows" & I trust it is not His design to let this great beacon light go out in disgrace. give my love to all I am as every your affectionate husband Lyle A. Garrett   {Mary}
