This day three months ago I left our ranks for a long awaited furlough.  Time has passed too quickly and I am now returning to the misery from which I was granted a brief reprieve.  As I rode back towards the war my mind wandered and I set upon thoughts that I can only attribute to human nature.  I ponder: What is the chief end of our Nation?  Can this tree of hate grown from the political differences of North and South that hither to this yielded sour and bitter fruit only be grafted back together by our nation and soon bear sweet fruit?  The cruel war into which we have been compelled by the tyranny of the Northern States and their army which is the emissaries of their vengeance does impress upon one's mind this certain truth that the welfare and prosperity of out Southern States depends upon our army's diligence in the pursuit of victory.  I have observed that the Federals will do every mischief they possibly can and they will omit to do any good on behalf of justice.  My personal challenges and attitudes have changed.  My abhorrence to this war is not lessened and neither my ability to reason or my judgment of deeds diminished.  I have however found myself reconciling the actions and thoughts that a year prior I would at first instance have found to be disgusting.  As the life of a solider unfolded to me I began to harden to humanity and I was no longer ashamed to discharge the duties given to me.  Those necessary duties to include the disposition of human life that no description can equal.

We have only finished the first act of the great drama of our future America.  To that end I reluctantly return to my company.  I am saddened on my parting with you which my love for you has rendered a difficult thing.  However no distress this war could now bring upon me would equal that of my loss of your love.

Your faithful husband.