How much I think of the happy weeks we spent together last fall, that visit will be a bright spot in my memory as long as recollection is given.  I never felt like saying as others have said when their friends returned to the army, that they had rather they had not come home, because the parting was so bitter no my dear you if had only staid three weeks as you at first intended, I cold not regret that you came.  No the joy of that meeting I cannot forget; those few happy days danced joyously on, But Time never pauses, Alas! they are gone.  In both your last letters you speak of your p-------s, it does indeed look bright, I am impatient to know the dicision of the matter.  You have never said any thing about the regiment being consolidated, it is probably a mistake; I hope it is at least for I don't want the 23d to loose it identity, I think it ought be filled up either with conscripts or volunteers.  Austin is making calculations to be drafted the 5th Jan, there is but eight or ten men in this Township subject to the first draft, and our quota is five, so it is very probable that he will have to go, though he may possibly escape.  I should be very sorry indeed to see Austin go into the army for I think he is needed more here than there.  I don't believe Uncle Sam will need any of you very much longer.  But Hope is ever in the ascendant; it cheers the despondent, heals the sick,
