I, as I believe you also, remember scenes marked by so much past pleasure but now these days are punctuated by our present pain.  I thank you for being patient at my long absence.  It seems our personal life together was brief intended.

We have ridden our horses on little used roads through what seemed to be impenetrable pine forests and around dismal swamps.  I have heard no word of our destination and I can't imagine where we are going.  We have lost all trace of our bearings.  As yet there are no signs of the enemy, so the situation has become both exciting and interesting as well as humorous.

There is a lot of talk around camp today.  I think we have arrived in a place called Crystal River or close to it.  This must be the destination to which for a week we have ridden to reach.  Capt. Coker told us to make our meal and rest.  We have started to prepare for a battle.

We are very hungry and always forage for food.  We are living mostly on oranges and palm hearts with a rabbit now and then.  The men have drawn up their belts tighter and tighter. The 1st Manassas and the Milton light artillery companies don't seem to have it as bad as we do. Somehow they always have food, not much mind you, but a sufficient supply.  Our infantry is so starved that if they had the joules and soap grease here that you throw away back home, they would eat it.  With coffee selling for as much as $60.00 a pound, we have found a substitute.  Myself and a few others went out and picked up the ripe acorns from around the trees.  We then washed them while in the shell, we dried them, and parched them until they opened.  Then we took off the shell, and roasted the lot with a little bacon fat. It may be hard to believe, but we then had a splendid cup of "coffee".

I received the letter that you wrote to me.  Thank you.  I do not believe that the people back home realize how much it means to us to hear from them.  I have not seen the box that you sent.  At this moment, some other soldier is probably enjoying what were to be my socks and shirts.  I will write to you if they are delivered but hold forth no hope for their ever finding me.  Tell my brother I got that letter he wrote me last week, but it was in such deplorable condition upon its arrival that I could not make out anything that was in it.

Everyone has spent every spare moment digging entrenchments and building fortifications.  February is here but even with the cooler temperatures associated with this season, our  uniforms have gotten soaked through with perspiration.  I usually enjoy the company of my fellow soldiers but last night the Sibley became fetid with the odors of men who had scarce access to clean water in which to bathe.  I fear that I also carry with me the damp fragrance of an unshorn ewe.  The night was cool with a brisk wind so I chose instead to sleep in a bed of leaves under the low limbs of a tree with the horses rather than subject myself further.

The morning colors are over.  The orders of the day, to which most pay no attention, have been read.  We need the Sergeants to see to it that their men be more attentive to our commander's words.

My horse stands lazily idle.  I was thinking of you and decided to add more to this letter while I have the time.

This morning broke too early for me.  I was quite snug in my bed of leaves under the low branches of an oak tree and had no desire to leave that comfortable place.  The bugler was apparently comfortable himself for he sounded colors late.  His punishment was light but he did have to double quick while carrying a log in front of the battalion.

Some activity has started to the north of camp.  I will write more later.

The activity of this morning escalated into a battle.  The task for whose final solution both sides were clamoring.  My company the 3rd Fla. Cavalry Co. K was sent out to test the pickets and determine the enemy's numbers.  We had no sooner gotten on the field when the 2nd Fl. Union cavalry was upon us.  We exchanged fire as we rode hard.  The Union's 97th Pennsylvania took to the field.  The situation took on grave proportions and we decided to take our leave.  A mighty artillery duel between the opposing forces began and seemed to last forever.  We remained behind the artillery while they did their best to make the infantry's job easier.  I could see the infantry companies of the 37th Alabama, 8th Florida Co. B, 7th Florida Co. E & K. come into action.  The 4th Florida Co. G was aggressive but were held and had to fall back.  All of the infantrymen fought without fear or regard for their safety.  We took every opportunity to harass the Union infantry and were successful to a degree but spent most of our time fighting with the Federal cavalry.  The Yankees pushed steadily and our lines faltered and broke.  We gave up the field grudgingly and fell back to a area of defendable ground.  Gen. Hardy had the remaining men throw up a line and we took our stand there.  We had lost the battle to Dwight Dovel's command but we would not be captured.  We are holding our ground, we will be pushed no further.  The battle itself was short.  Neither side can last long in the oppressive heat.  Our lines are so close we can hear each other talking.  Our scouts crept to the Federals side in a attempt to gain information as to their intentions.  Unfortunately all they saw was a fight between two brothers over a card game.  It was quite a fight according to the scouts and became comical as they related it to us.  They also saw a birthday celebration for the 3rd Maine's Captain.  The Union holds the advantage at this point yet I am sure we will regain our lost ground tomorrow.

On Sunday my horse became ill and I had to obtain a spare from my Captain Coker.  It is rare that there are any extra horses to be had and I was very pleased that I would not have to stay behind and become a hospital orderly and help with the wounded.  The extra horse proved to be a most acceptable mount and performed well.

The Union force marched out upon the field, their colors flying and drums beating.  I thought to myself, the dies are cast, the inevitable must now take its course.  The 3rd Maine began fighting stubbornly, but confusedly, with a strong force of Confederate soldiers belonging to the Alabama Volunteers.  The men from Maine rallied and it was hard to see who had the advantage.  At the next moment we were called upon to assume our share of the conflict.  We rode to the battle and found Major Moor already on the field looking for opportunities.  Shortly our captain saw a Federal artillery piece that had been separated from the body of the main Union force.  We at once decided to set upon it.  Our plan was to rush in and make short work of the artillery men while the infantry came in on the double quick to turn and man the gun. Our plan worked perfectly until the 97th Pennsylvania once again appeared as we headed towards the field piece.  We turned and charged into them with sabers drawn thus enabling the remaining cavalry to capture the field piece.  The cannon was taken but was not held and soon fell back into Union hands.  It seemed that the infantry would not last in the rain of bullets poured into them from the Union line.  The outcome of the battle was in question.  Capt. Kohl saved the day by rallying his men to action.  The remaining infantrymen not wanting to appear cowardly started a steady push against the Federals and progress was made.  We rode our horses in and kept their cavalry from the flanks of our army and I could see the tide change.  In what was minutes, the Union was pushed off the field and they retreated.  We had prevailed.

Tonight we rest.  I have survived yet another battle, my horse is recovering well and will soon be sound.  For these things I should be thankful but I passed the night in anxiety and discouragement, tormented by reflection on my past suffering and present situation.  What will be Grant's next move is not known.  But supposed that he will try Narcoossee Mill on the shores of Lake Tohopekaliga some 80 miles from this place to the South.  There are various conjectures.  He will be closely watched by Gen. Lee, who has the entire confidence of the Southern Army.  We will not rest until the invaders are driven from our soil.

I can see you in my mind's eye sitting now on our veranda brushing your hair from your eyes as a soft evening breeze dallies with it.  The sun setting over the fields.  The horses grazing.  I can almost smell dinner cooking.  This beautiful vision brings me peace.  I love you and long to be home.  Your husband.