Your letters came to hand last as you see by Mother's letter. I cannot be thankful enough that I have friends that are so kind and feel such an interest in me. I have felt more the need of friends and felt more grateful for their sympathies than I ever did before I came into this place. I hear many wishes expressed to be out of this but I dont know as I really want my discharge if I could get it. I should be uneasy I know if I was out of the service until the war closes. I trust I shall get out of it safe and if I do I shall feel that I have acted my part like a man. I believe as firmly as ever that the end is not far off.
     But about home. How are things going on? I can imagine most of the things. I am in a hurry to see those vases. The Petunia must be very beautiful. I think I should be able to relish Laura S's. black berries. I have seen cooks that would make that family

sick to look at, I believe. Sorry, Delora, that you could not make yourself agreeable enough to your caller to keep him. How is Aunt Sally Merrill likely to succeed?
     I fear for Wilbur. his case is deperate I am afraid. Alonzo, [i.e., Alonzo Jackson] also. I have but little hope of him. Things certainly sound as if he had a decided slant. They certianly are a queer set all about there.
     The church is getting along queerly among the rest. I am sorry that the church does not get along better the other queer things I dont care so much about. I feel but little interest in politics. I want the war to close just as soon as it can honorably. and I hope God will direct matters as shall be for our good. I am aware that I dont know what is for the best. I should like some of the dishes you write of having but next year if nothing happens I hope to enjoy them in their abundance. I shall try to enjoy myself if I ever do get at liberty. Any little thing costs so much here that one cant enjoy it. at any rate if he expects to get home where he can use money to any advantage he cannot.
     Hoping you will write often I am you aff. bro.

John