No 32
  At Fathers, Monday Eve March 23d 1863  
Dear Husband,
  Your precious letter of the 12th was received this afternoon, Mary Jane also got one from Marion mailed the 19th at Cairo, & yours was mailed the 13th at St. Genevive, so we know that you were going down the river, so we sent the letter immediately over to Lambs to Mary Jane & so we know by that, that you are at New Madrid, whenever you move I get the map & trace your course, I see that you are about fifty miles below Cairo; I was very glad to hear that you were in such good health, but it makes me feel sad that you are going farther away from me & into that sickly climate.  I hope as you are so well that you may escape.  O! do take good care of your health my dear husband for my sake as well as your own.  My health is quite good but I don't think that I am quite as fleshy. I will go up day after tomorrow & get my picture taken for you & if Mr. Christie has not gone will send it by him, you did not say anything in your last about coming home, but I suppose you don't know anything about when you can come, but must patiently wait your time.  O! I do hope it may come soon, I do want to see you so bad, that I feel like I could not wait any longer, but if you are trying still those feelings that you may be a true soldier, I too must be brave & strong hearted, that I may be worthy of my soldier husband.  We have done a very large washing
