No 7 Cottage Home, Iowa Friday Afternoon Jan 6th 1865 My Own Dear Husband, As this is the first time I have written to you in this year, allow me to wish you "a happy new year"; and may we all see the close of this cruel war in the year of '65; and many homes made happy by the return of the brave fathers, and husbands, and sons, now battling for this country's honor and perpituity.  Father received a letter from Marion, and Stuart and Austin one from you today; of the 26th Dec. twelve days later than the last I have from you, there are doubtless some on the way for me; Austin has given me the privelege of reading your letters, before he gets them.  You say your health is better, I long to hear from you, to know all the particulars; O! I am so anxious for you to come home in the Spring, if at all consistent in you to resign; Father & Stuart & Austin, and indeed every one who speaks about the matter thinks you ought to come home before your health is entirely gone.  Lieut. Coplan told me last week that ill health was about the only thing an officer could offer, or have accepted now, every body that knows you inquires of me how you are and when I tell them your health is poor, they say he ought to resign.  It won't be long I know till the regiment's time is out; but you health or life may be gone, by that time; but use discretion and act on your own good judgment, and I'll abide by the decision.
