Well my dear wife this is the last page & it seems that I have not said any thing that will either interest or instruct - & I feel almost like tearing it up & try to say something sensible - but as I have tried that before & failed to see wherein the improvement consisted I will send it as it is & trust your magnanimity to excuse any deficiency in the way of taste or interest - there is really nothing to write about & I can only do as too many are already doing - look forward to the time of my release from this thralldom - for I do assure you that it is getting to be a monotonous & unhappy life to me - My health is tolerably good at present - but has been rather poor all summer.  I am stimulating some on bitters & have been able so far to drive myself up to duty without missing a day yet although I have felt at times like giving up - the surgeon has told me two or three times that if I said so he would have me excused from duty - I still told him to wait a few days - & finally I feel better - it don't do to give up I am determined to keep going as long as I can consistant with my duty to my self & my family - I cannot endure the idea of being a half soldier - I'll wear myself out first.  We are looking every day for the paymaster - he will pay us two months wages if he comes - & I will send you a part of it - as pocket money - I will draw nearly two hundred dollars & it will take half of it to pay my debts then I must have some to keep on hand to keep up expenses & it may be posible that I will get a leave of absence before we are paid again - If I should or can I am determined to go regardless of expense - anxious as I am to cancel my debts - I do wish to see you so much if only for a week or two - I have written to Austin to sell our horses & lot in town & land on Agency & if posible get out of debt - now while Greenbacks at 40 cts to the dollar will pay then you can see the importance of this step:  I learn that stock feeders are paying high prices for corn & I think it might be well to sell our corn in the field or have it cut so as to sell it to feeders - you will do all you can I know to help me out of these dificulties & when I get home we can start out in the world again unencumbered by debt - If you can effect any thing by urging these things I will be happy to have you do it - I had hoped to get mail before sending this, but it has failed to come & the mail will close in a short time & I know that you will be anxious to get No 43  I will close give my love to father & mother & all.  Marion - Dewey & all the friends here are well, & may our Father protect my dear one is the prayer of your husband  L A Garrett
