The Cavalry has changed plans once again.  As I told you when I left, my orders were to head back for additional training and to regroup with my company at Crystal River.  This is no longer true and I have heard that now our objective is the protection of a vital railroad line.  It is located in the southwestern part of Florida.  This line is well traveled and sends much needed supplies North to feed and arm our Confederate brothers.  Upon our arrival at the junction, we are to stop the Union soldiers who are intent on its destruction and prevent them from traveling further south.  We are proceeding with great haste.  The horses and we riders are weary.  As we traveled parallel to the railroad line, I saw some very curious trains.  My friend Buford has drawn a picture of one of the oddest locomotives and mortars.  I have included his drawing of the train in this letter.  Although I don't know this as fact, I would guess that the ammunition for the mortar is carried in the boxcar behind it.  Between the locomotive and the boxcar, there is a flat car which the artillery crew rides on.   The small locomotive is always at the rear pushing the three car train.  We are setting up camp near the railroad line now and will continue to follow the railroad to the junction in the morning.

The battle began about 1pm.  Our army advanced with authority and audacity.  We attacked the enemy vigorously and pressed for a speedy victory but that was not to be. The Federals with whom we fought were of the strongest spirits and the stoutest of hearts.  The 2nd Cavalry came up close on our flank and unlimbered a cannon.  They fired directly into our ranks and men fell.  As we moved across the battlefield, we could hear the piteous cries of our wounded, yet we could not pause to help them and we knew that the next moment might see some of us added to their number.  I narrowly escaped being killed by the explosion of a shell but I was then and have before been protected by a higher power when danger was nigh and I am thankful for it.  We counter attacked with great dash.  We put forth our best efforts but were repelled.  When the brave men of the Confederacy were able to silence the 2nd's cannon, the tide changed in our favor.  There was a great rush forward and we succeeded, together with the rest of Gen. Hardy's brigade, in checking and finally repulsing the assault of the enemy, who retired in confusion and disorder about sunset, and ceased any further efforts of aggression.

The battle was ended, and all fell silent.  Men collapsed from exhaustion, others talk but little was said.  Some are stunned from the horrors just witnessed.  Major Riker and the medical staff are busy tending to the wounded but their job is hampered by a terrible lack of supplies.  All true Southern spirits must combine what resources they have and send to us desperately needed medical items quickly.

We were ordered to mount and ride out.  As I looked back upon the carnage, a locomotive whistle blew.  A train passed.  We were successful in our endeavors.  I know in my heart we will be equally successful in this war.  The Northern aggressors will be repelled and the South will rest under tall magnolia trees as their sweet blossoms scent the warm southern breezes.

I miss you.

With all my love to you,  your husband.