Wednsday Evening 9th  Dear Lyle it has been three days since I commenced this, and I have been very unwell since that time is one reason that it is not finished the whole family is almost sick with colds, the atmosphere has been very heavy and damp for a week, and every person is complaining of colds.  Monday I was so unwell as to have to go to bed; but I am a great deal better now, indeed almost well.  I recived yours of the 15th ult (No 6) last Saturday, you were then at Algiers, and about starting for Texas, and this evening I recd No 5 written on the west side of Berwick bay; My own dear husband I thank you many, many times for such letters, so full of love a tenderness, and yet all is expressed in such a manly way that I admire so much; O you don't know how anxious I am to hear from you again! you have long ago reached your destination if it was indeed Brownsville Texas; and it is possible have been in an engagement; I feel so anxious for your safety that I wait impatiently for the next letter, and you have got so far away now that it will take them three or four weeks to come from and as long to go to the regiment, but I will try to be patient for I know you will write often, and I will trust your life and health to our Father, who doeth all things well.
