well, but I know this affection's eye can trace the lines if they are not very plain; It is all that I can do to read the dialy Register and your letters, but I have read your good long sheet of ledger paper over twice, and I don't know how many times I shall read it before I get another; but I hope I shall not have the chance to read it over many more times till I get another; I will stop now, but I guess that I will not close this till I go to Fathers and perhaps they will write a little; Your safety and the success of our cause is the burden of all my prayers; Your affectionate wife Mary  
At Home - Dear Brother Lyle, as Mary has left a blank, and wishes me to fill it up, well I do so with pleasure, although I have but little to write that would interest you. We are all enjoying good health, which is one of the greatest blessings we can ask for. Dear Brother I cannot tell you how rejoiced we were to hear from you once more, for it was quite a while since we had heard from you, and knowing that you been engaged in a battle. You may well know our anxiety, and when the list of killed and wounded came, it was with almost breathless fear, lest one might see your name, but I believe my dear brother that the strong faith and trust you have in you Savior will sustain and protect you.  and the prayer of your unworthy sister is that you may be safely protected though this great struggle and when the starry folds of the old banner of liberty are seen floating all over our once peaceful shores may you return safely to your happy little family, and friends and enjoy a long and peaceful life. Father is siting near me reading a Negro sermon. Mary is siting by him listening for she can not see to read with ease. Lib is holding baby. Mother and Mary Jane getting breakfast. Cy feeding the little ones in bed ar beginning to crall out one after another for there is quite a good many when they all get together. This is a beautiful day, so calm and pleasant. I wonder where you are, our folks are going to church today to Des Moines, I cannot go conveniantly. I am teaching this summer in Uncle John's district I have been teaching three weeks. Have a pleasant school and am prospering nicely. Uncle's folks are enjoying their usual health. Uncle's health is so much better than usual at this season of the year, he has a very sore leg, which the Dr. thinks is the cause of him having better health. Billy Trice is getting quite well again and wants to go back to the Regt if he gets entirely well. He walks without a cain now, Cousin Jennie is teaching in Trillings Grove this summer at twelve dollars a month, mine is subscription. I am attending singing school this summer, we have a splendid school of forty schollars and an excellent teacher, Mr [illegible] of Desmoines perhaps you know him. He teaches at Rising Inn his schollars are progressing very rapidly I know more would enjoy them very much, we use the [illegible] sacred music and silver [illegible] a glee book. We have learned some handsome glees. Well they are ready to start to church so I must close. I am sorry I haven't the time to fill this space, please excuse this bit of scribbling, my pen is so poor. Give my best wishes to Marion they all join in sending love to you both. Wont you write me soon, I have one letter you wrote me and I prize it very highly. Your affectionate Sister Emma
