as long as I can.  Our folks seem axious too to have me at home, so you see I have many friends, I am very sorry that the folks neglect you so in the matter of correspondence, but you must excuse them, it is not because they forget you, but they are no great hands to write.  I suppose you know by this time that Austin got that money.  O! I do hope that you are not going to the Army of the Potomac, that would seem so out of the world, although I suppose you would like to be under the command of "Old Unconditional".  I don't know what that army is doing now.  It is said that Lee has sent 20,000 men to reinfource Hood, if that be the case, Grant can easily manage the opposing fources at Richmond, I do hope that this fall will bring this rebllion to a close. Uncl predicts that if there is a draft, the Copperheads will fight before they will go. they may, but I think the most of them are cowards. I will look anxiously for your next letter, to know if you are indeed coming home if you are, I will surly be there to receive you although I should like to have you come this way, as the folks here would be so well pleased to have you come.  It is now about bedtime and I will have to say good by for a while; take care of your health my dear husband, for your Mary's sake, and may the time soon come when we can enjoy the peace and quiet of our own home Ever your effectionate wife Mary
