the sun pours his scorching rays into my little schoolroom but when I think of the poor soldier toiling with knapsack and gun under a burning sun, I fell that I have nothing to complain of; there was an old gentleman by the name of Cory staid all night at Mr. Robinsons last night (I think perhaps you have heard of him, he said he fell in with father at Oskaloosa when he was moving to this country.)  He had a son in the 39th who died after the battle of Cross roads, from over heating; he went after his body which was buried at Corinth; the scenes he witnessed as he tells them are perfectly awful; I suppose that no one at home can realize the fearful havoc of lives and property; Poor old man; the death of his son almost broke his heart, but he is only one of the many that have been bereft; and I pray God that I may not be of that number.  I feel so anxious to have you come home this summer, for my health is so good and I am looking so well, I know you will be so glad to see me improved so much; O! you can only imagine how much I want to see you by your own feelings; my eyes fell better and stronger today than yesterday; I tell I fell under obligation to the Dr for curing them and you will too I have no doubt.  
Wednesday Morning 16th  It is recess and I have a few minits to devote to you; it has been considerable over a week since I heard from you and I am beginning to feel quite anxious; Mr. Robinson went to Desmoines today to the Republican state convention, you will see the nominations in the Register if you get it, I expect a letter when he gets home; he teases me a good deal about my letters he says he hears nothing but letter from me from Monday morning 'til Saturday night; he thinks you write letters equal to anything he reads in the Tribune; I let him read yours written after the battle of Port Gibson, I think that was one of your best, and I also consider Mr. R a judge.  I took three of your last letters down
