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Dalton, Geo. Deer 18th 1863
Dear Et,
Yesterday I received yours of the 10th and today I have just read another of the
14th! That is doing pretty well, is it not? For Confederate Mails? I feel like I was so near
you that I believe it makes me more impatient to see you than when I was farther off. In
your letter of the 10th you say you had only rec'd one letter from me (of the 2ns) since our
defeat. I can't account for this, for I have written five and hope you have received them
before this reaches you.
I am not quite so despondent and gloomy as you suppose. True, I am mortified at
the conduct of some of our troops, but have not lost confidence in their courage &
patriotism. We have just heard today, certainly, that Genl. Johnston is ordered here to
take command of the army. This will inspire the troops with new confidence and if the
people at home, men, women, children, and servants will only set their faces against
deserters, absentees, skulkers, etc. not permitting them to eat, sleep or speak with them,
our army may be made strong enough to cope with that of the enemy. I can tell the
people at home, that they had better not require too much of the few who are in the army
& who have up to this time borne the brunt of the war!
I am quite well, growing a little older, that's all!! Hope you are as young as ever!
Genl. Hardee is to be married soon to Miss Lewis of Demopolis Ala. very rich. I hope
mother is well again. I will write to her in a day or two. My love to her always also to
Aunt & Mollie. Kiss the dear boys for me. I am proud to hear of their progress with their
books. Willie's such a man that he will have to be your overseer when you get to
keeping house again. The & Pat will be his assistants. A fond embrace & bushels of
kisses from your
Patton
Mr. Paleston & Lewis have not arrived.
Transcribed by Christopher A. Baker, University of Florida, 2008.
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