it was opened hurriedly and read with great eagerness; It troubles me that you are so miserable; I know you necessarily mingle with those whose society is very disagreeable to you; all the way I can console you is to say bear it my dear as patiently as you can, seek the society that is congenial as much as may be; and although there are a great many things in the army and government we don't approve of, their object is in the main right; and we hope by the blessing of God the cause of war and the necessity of an army will cease; till then my husband be patient; keep your heart and life pure, and the quiet and charity of the home circle will be doubly dear to you. The society of dear, cherished friends, will indeed be a sweet reward to the weary, war worn soldier, disgusted with army life, with the sights and sounds of the profligate and dissipated.  Wednesday afternoon 14th 5 1/2 o'clock. We have just returned from Mr Marstons, you remember of me writing you about them, we had a very pleasant visit, I always like to go there, it is the most intelligent family in the neighborhood; their only son is very sick, a young man of nineteen, so that we could not enjoy the visit quite as well as we did in the summer; I am now making my farewell visits, I expect to start home next Monday morning from here, I will go to Middleport, get there by noon, with reach Desmoines probably by Wednesday evening, that will be just a week from today. I received a letter from Emma last mail, which contained the news of the capture of the 8th cavaly, and as
