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(from Gardner Wilder) – [The notations ‘first copy’ and ‘from Gardner Wilder’ is not in the penmanship of the rest of the letter. It is presumed that these are later notes indicating that the letter was sent on to someone by Gardner Wilder.]



Prattville, Alabama March 16th 1864

My dear father, mother brothers and sisters,

Another opportunity has presented itself for my sending you a long letter; and I improving[?] the first moments. I wrote you last year and received an answer in October, writen [sic] September. I answered it and sent it by flag of truce, but do not know whether you received it or not, as I have never received an answer. I do wish you would write once in one or two months, and I will do the same. A great many here get letters from their friends as often as once in two months; and I often wonder why I cannot as well as they. I take it for granted that you would like to hear something of myself, and I shall therefore speak freely as I can send so much more this time than by flag of truse [sic].

I am still at work for the government and expect to as long as the war lasts, if it is fifty years; as I prefer to work at home to being in the army, and then my health will not admit of my being in camp. I am making but little more now than enough to pay board which is one hundred dollars per month for two of us. I was married the first of January to Miss Mary F. Hayard of Shelby Co. this state; and I tell you she is the best of women. She is a lady of education, refinement and talent, and a very affectionate, kind and loving wife she is. I wish you could be acquainted with her, I know you would