1861 May 18 Harper's Ferry

My Wife--
I have no sweeter word
than this to call the dear little
woman at home, with whom
my happiest reminiscences
of the past, and fondest hopes
of the future have ever been
associated.

You speak of dreams; I had
one of you that we were mar
-ried again, and thought we
had a very nice time of it.
I received your letter by Mr Cam
pbell and one a few days
before by mail, and was happy
to learn that you and the little
ones were well. I wish you
would go out to Pas frequently
We have moved from our station
on the mountain back to town
Here we have very pleasant
quarters, in which I think it
likely we will remain until
we have a battle. When this

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will be it is impossible to say
but is not expected immediately.
I received the green flannel shirt
and put it on for the first time
to day--It is very comfortable
and valued the more because made
by the hands of my dear wife. The
other things are I suppose in a
box left behind at Winchester
which will probably be here to day
Present my kind regards to
John and hand him the enclosed
order on Wm White--
The account book to which I ref
erred in my letter to Wm White
I expect is locked up in the
safe in my office & Mr Catlett
has the key in Richmond. Your
father has some papers in the
safe and if he wants ehem
he will have to write to
Mr Catlett to send the key
to some one in Lexington
who will get them for him
Present my kind regards to
Jack Jane & Phebe. Kiss
the children for me & for your
self take a husbands best love
Ever yours
E[lisha] F[rank] ["Bull"] Paxton

MSS 2165