on duty for the first time as Lt" you can take it as a compliment or not, as you please.  I was so glad my dear husband to hear from your own pen that you have received what you have doubly earned, as soon as I saw the announcement of your promotion in the Register, I wrote you, congratulating you, I have been thinking perhaps you might get the letter before the comm.  One thing you are certain of, that your wife rejoices with you in all your successes, and sympathzes in all your disappointments.  O what would I not have given to have been there when the Col handed you the papers.  At last our hopes in one particular have been fulfilled, and now that you are on the ladder of promotion, I look forward with hope that your merits will be appreciated and your faithful labors reward by a step or two more up the ladder; you have heavier responsibilities, but they wont be such a heavy tax on your physical powers, and I
