"No 75"
  Blakely Ala, May 5th 1865  
My Dear Wife:  It has been but a few days since I wrote to you - but the times are so full of thrilling events that I feel inclined to write to you every day - But when I reflect that any news that I may write except from this Department will have become Stale long before it reaches you.  I received yours of the 16th Ult. Nos 20-21 day before yesterday - I can apreciate your feelings on receipt of the news that the President & his Sec were assassinated.  I do not care again to look back upon the sad hours I experienced after the receipt of the terible news.  The hours have passed away - but memory must be for ever indelibly stamped with the horrid deed!  
Yesterday an Extra from Mobile contained Official Despatches that Booth had been killed, giving some of the details how he had been pursued into the woods in Maryland - & took refuge in a barn - & after the barn had been fired he ran & was shot in the back part of the head.  Nearly in the same place that his victim was shot.  One of our Colr sergeants was at the landing when the steamer landed & got an extra & started up to camp.  The scene was worthy the painters brush - as he passed along reading to the crowd following - when he came to that part - stating that Booth had been shot, it was enough, Such Cheerful - Rapturous looking countenances I had not seen for days or weeks.  The boys would clap their hands - with Very Joy
