It makes me almost nervous to think of the prospect before me - The thought that I may soon be permited to to clasp to my heart one so dear as my wife sends a thrill of happiness - all through my being - I am enjoying very good health - & the idea of getting home, yes home make me cheerful - generally - I shouldn't perhaps say the word "home" so often but - "From the abundance of the heart the pen speaketh" & I had Just as well let my pen go on as I feel - but I must curb it a little or you would be sure to think me "home" sick.  Well be it so I cant help it - I never was much of a "ham" to enjoy life away from home.  Why you will think it strange perhaps - that during our late victorious battles - while the misiles of destruction wer hurled around me - the awful roar of huge canon & amid all the confusion & horror of the field of strif - I could even then find time to think of home & its loved ones - & thank the Wise dispenser of all things that our own dear homes are not assailed by the ravages of war - Well - how are you getting along, at "home" that's the question - I find that I will say "home" & if I should write it a score of times you mustn't laugh at me - for there is no man living who loves home & its pleasant associations more than I do - & I am half the time laying plans for the future - at "home" I can immagine that I could even enjoy life on our old hills, but would prefer that they were sold
