But I must quit writing for tonight, for I feel very tired.  I carried Hatties baby up the hill, and the did the milking which with the cooking, has quite exausted my powers for today.  Libbie has been sitting by me, writing to Ellison, he has been away up on the Yellow Stone this summer, and have had either two or three engagements with the Indians; the exposition has now ended for this season, and the most of the troops are back to Ft Rice.  Now my precious I will bid you good night, pleasant happy dreams. Saturday Morning 15th  My dear Husband, This morning finds the quiet of our homes disturbed by the news of the Rebels being in Iowa; the report at Desmoines is that the Rebels have burned the town of Albia, down on the river, this is considered authentic; and we have - another report that Knoxville is burned, and Bloomfield and the Rebels are coming on to the capital.  The news came to into Desmoines on Thursday night, but this morning was the first we heard of it.  The Malitia is ordered out the Company in Camp Township, just went by to DesMoines.  Franklin stopped and gave us all the news I have written;  It is bringing war very near our homes, but I don't feel very much alarmed, we are all somewhat excited of course.  Franklin told us that the Bankers had become alarmed and were moving their vaults to a place of safety.  I will write you often, and keep you posted, don't be uneasy, we feel abot to defend ourselves, the fource of Rebels is reported to be from five to eight hundred.  I am hurrying to finish this so as to send to the office;  Good by my dear one Ever Your Mary
