I have not told you yet about how nicely we are situated here,  We are living in houses!   Yes, veritable log cabins.  We have a window to ours - Two sheets of oiled paper, a fire place (That suits me, I have a good many fogy notions yet) bunks to sleep in, & prairie hay to spread our blankets on.  I tell you we are luxuriously situated, Our camp on quite a hill (That suits me, an other fogy idea) provisions plenty & dear - tobacco $2 or $3 per lb poor quality at that, other luxuries (?) in proportion, Our sutlers have no conscience.  It is quite uncertain how long we remain here.  There is some talk this evening that we are to move soon, but I have lost faith in talk, & when the order come around to strike tents we will vacate our cabbins as naturally, as chickens leave their roost at break of day. 
We have news today that Hoods army is moving on towards Nashville & that our forces are evacuating, forts on his rout & falling back towards Nashville.  I think our commanders are letting him as far north as they wish & that at the proper time they will close in on him & anihilate him as they did Price in Mo., I have no word yet from Cyrus.  I think his Regt is or was on Hoods rout & it is likely that the Cavelry will have warm work of it, I feel some uneasiness about him.  If you should hear anything from him, or his Regt at any time, please write to me.
 Well my dear girl it is now quite late & I must bid you good night.
 Tuesday eve 5 - Well my dear I have filled the programme up to this time, but I assure you that I am verry much fatiegued.  Our recitation to the Col will be at 6.  I counciled to day with the Col about resigning, He thinks that unless I feel materially better in 8 - ten days I had better resign.  He says that he considers that it is not demanded of me at the present stage of the rebellion to expose my health, I don't know what to do.  I wish I did.  I don't think that it is at all likely that I can stand a campaign, either this winter or in the spring.  You may keep this strictly to yourself for the present.  If I should undertake it I will make it sure, for the Surgeon & Col are each my personal friends & are men of influence & don't often fail.  I may get to feel better & may not make an effort.  Will let you know when I write again.  You say in your last that you will send the shirts by either Barton or Wilcox, so you received my request for them. they will come at the right time - thank you.
 I will close so as to send this out this eve, give my love to Father & Mother & all our friends & may you continue to enjoy good health & lively spirits.  God our Protector keep us to meet & realize our fondest hopes   Lyle
