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Camp Milton, May 19th 1864
Dear Et,
I write a short note to inform you that I go up to Lake City today, where we will
make Hd. qrs. for a short time, and will then go on to Middle Fla. unless something
happens to prevent it.
Everything in the way of troops has been sent off except the cavalry. I feel utterly
powerless but I think it is right. The great struggle is to be in Va. We should have every
man capable of bearing arms in the Confederacy at that place. If we succeed there,
Florida is safe; if not, then it will hardly be worse off than it is now. I have every
confidence in the result. God will give us the victory.
Now that I feel powerless to accomplish anything here, the separation from my
dear Et, seems more insupportable than ever. As long as I could feel that my presence in
the Army was of any use at all to the cause, it was consoling to reflect that duty was
being performed but when I feel that I am of no use whatever where I am, I feel like it
was impossible for me to stay away from you any longer.
I shall remain in Lake City but a short time and will then proceed to Middle
Florida where my Headquarters will have to be established, for the purpose of organizing
the Reserves for they are our dependence now.
I am so much disappointed about not getting to see you tomorrow, that I am
almost in the blues. But I hope to see you soon anyhow. In the meantime you must be
cheerful. Do not repine. The very anticipation of the pleasure it will afford me to be with
you, is some comfort the reality will be earthly happiness in perfection.
Kiss Willie, & The, & Pat & Lilly for me. Bless their hearts! How I do want to
see them too! Remember me to the servants.
Love to Aunt & Mol and [Sizgie?], Annetta, & Adair.
A bushel of kisses for yourself from
Your
Patton
Transcribed by Christopher A. Baker, University of Florida, 2008.
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