after writing the above I went to church & when church was out Fathers folks drove up in a wagon to take me out home & so I did not get to finish it; I just received yours of the 15th.  You will know that I was very anxious to hear from you, more so perhaps than I have ever been, Billy said that we would not be apt to get any letters very soon again as no letters or communication of any kind would pass Memphis going either north or south, but I do hope that he is mistaken, I don't know what I should do if I could not hear from you, I will continue to write & the letters will I hope reach you some time; I am glad that you think of he possibility of death in battle although it wrings my heart to read your letter; my daily, hourly - prayer shall before your safty; it is a source of great comfort to me that although you are surrounded by every species of vice & wickedness you have the courage to own that you love the Savior & that you feel in your heart the sweets of that pure & holy religion.  O! my Husband I pray you never let the jeers & scoffs of ungodly men cause you for one moment to doubt the reality of religion, or to deny the blood that bought you, I know that your life must be a very unpleasant one, surrounded continually by so much noise & profanity; you cannot get away for an hour to enjoy your on thoughts; but my dear be a true brave soldier & write a record that will reflect credit & command admiration, I am not writing this because I fear you will not be steadfast but by way of encouragement, if my feeble pen can in any way cheer you; The thought that you may never read this is a painful one to me; & that little word "alone" carries to my heart a burden of grief.  O! I pray that I may never feel its meaning as hundreds of devoted wives have felt it
