Sabbath afternoon:  Preaching to day by the Rev ______ 37th Ill He is of the O S Presbyterian and an exhortation by the Chaplain of the 7th Ky. the meeting was held in the shade of a large pecan tree.  Barton was present but did not take part only to give out "a few verses".  The 21st is at the bend about five miles above us - I have not seen Mr. Hill yet - One of our men will start home on furlough the first opportunity probably to morrow, his papers are ready - I hope he may recruit and have as good a time as I did a year ago.  But it rarely falls to the lot of any one to have so many oppertunities for real enjoyment as I did during my visit, almost every incident or circumstance tended to make my sojourn agreeable and happy - I am not enjoying the best of health neither have I for two or three months as you are aware from my frequent complaining - but as I am somewhat better now and have not missed a day duty yet.  I'll try and bear up as cheerfully as posible - I was talking to day with the surgeon about getting a leave unless I improved in health soon.  He told me that any time I chose he would atend to it.  He recommended me to use quinine every morning as a stimulant.  To alay any uneasiness on your part on my account I will Just say that I am suffering slightly from dyspepsia, ocasioned by hard and innutritious and illy prepared food and exposure incident to camp life.  My liver and digestive aparatus generally is slightly deranged - somewhat afecting my back - all of which I think (and so does the surgeon) would be remedied by about rest and good living somewhere in a more northern climate, I think about Lat 41 [degrees] 30' - 5 1/2 miles east of Desmoines - how would that location suit my better half?  I will let you know more in about two weeks - as I have a prospect of a change in afairs that I think will be more pleasant to me and where I can live better & have less ardous duties - but increased responsibilities.  Now my precious say nothing about my complaints - or prospects, and don't think
