1861 December 12

12” Dec 61
My dear wife
Yesterday I promised to send
you a long and interesting letter
this morning. I expected of course
to write it yesterday as the mail
always leaves camp very early in
the morning. but all day yesterday
the wind blew so hard & cold
that I could not write in my
tent so you will have to Receive
another apology this morning
& a promise to do better next
time. I Received yesterday your
letter writen [sic] on Sunday but not
mailed until tuesday. [sic] It is writen [sic]
in a mighty complaining mood
but I dont mind that so much just
so long as you dont talk about com-
ing to Centreville. I would not have
you come here if I did not get to
see you for 12 months. and I know
I want to see you as badly as man
ever wanted to see his wife.
Genl Elzie [sic] has I am sorry to say
got to hard drinking again. this is
one of the certain signs that he dont

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expect a fight. In camp we have
no news the only subject of con-
versation or at least the most fre-
quent is of the prospect of geting [sic] leave
of absence to go home almost every
body wants to go home and it
is decidedly amusing to hear
the various plans suggested whereby
the Genl might be led to yield ob
idience to our wishes. I have on
the principle of that editors offer
prizes for “stories” offered a Reward
of $50 for the plan that will give
me a leave of absence for ten
days & yet not Require from me
any compromise of honor.
Tell Jim & Lizzie that Papa will
soon write to them & tell them
about the war. they must be very
good to Moma & take care of
her until Papa comes
Most affectionately
E. T. H. Warren

[letter transcribed by John P. Mann IV]

MSS 7786-g