likely to be a burden rather than any help to the government.  There was a coach load of Officers left this morning for their commands in the south among them were Brig Gen Crocker and Col Williamson, I did not speak to Capt Hull more than to bow yesterday and don't know when he designs returning to the Regt; I sympathize with you in your expectations and will rejoice as I have said before at your success, for the reason that I feel you deserve it, but I must say I feel no very great anxiety that you should have a position, only that your hardships will not be so great, and that you could feel that you were getting some remuneration for your in my estimation at least very valuable service.  I know that you are bored with M-----, but I would advise you to be careful not to say anything to him as others there that will cause him to dislike you for it is better to have his friendship than his enmity, anything you choose to confide to me, will be scrupulously kept; I am thankful that I was not deceived and bored by such a Granny.  I am not surprised that you could not read my letters written about the time my eyes were sore for it was very hard for me to see to write at all; and then I have got into a careless way of writing since you went away for I often write in a hurry and write long letters.  so I will try in the future to write a little plainer, I have read I think every word you have ever written with ease.  There is a rumor this morning that Richmond and Vicksburg are both ours; I think it highly probable that Vicksburg has surrendered, but we hear so many false reports that I think it doubtful as to the former place; if you can after you receive this write me something definite in reference to your coming home, I do want to have some time to look forward to for I do want to see you so much; Mother says to give her love to her poor dear Lyle; I think it would please her very much for you to write her a letter, make it as interesting as you can, and direct it to Mrs. Mary D. Garrett in care of William Garrett, father and Cy will write you soon; May the God of Mercies shield your head in the day of danger, is the prayer of your own, Mary
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