No 45  
At Robinson's, Sunday Morn, 
June 28th /63  
Dear Husband,  
We are at home today, that is we have not gone to Des moines, there is preaching in my school house and we are going there; It is very warm this morning, we had a nice rain last night but the air is not much cooler, yesterday was about the warmest day of the season; It is a week ago today since I heard from you, I wonder where you are today; we have no news either from Vicksburg, that is the central point of intrest now to every one and is especially so to me; but O! I fear many of our noblest and best, will have to be sacrificed yet, before this unholy, ungodly rebellion can be put down, and that stronghold, it seems is yet stubbornly holding out; I had hoped before this nation again celebrated the anniversary of the declaration of our independence, that we would indeed and in truth be a free people; but although the day may be long deferred, I never have had the shadow of doubt that it would come; and forever woe unto them that originated this reign of terror; the finger of scorn will be pointed to them and their decendants forever, for their ifamous connection with this rebellion;  The days of your abscene are long to me; and I pray that the day of peace may be hastened; but my heart is sad when I remember how many homes and hearts are made desolate, treasures lost that the world can never replace; but such is life, our fondest earthly hopes are blasted; our dearest ties sundered; what a lesson we should learn; to lay up our treasures where the toils and conflicts of life will not effect us, only to drive us
