1862 April 11

April 11th 1862

My darling wife

I received two letters from you on
yesterday, one written the 5th and the other the 7th
I wrote to you on last friday the day before the
fight commenced and again on the 8th or 9th. I
know how anxious you are about me and would
write oftener, but it is impossible--As I wrote to
you a few days ago, we h ave been fighting
a little every day since Saturday morning. the
enemy's sharp shooters trouble us more than any
thing else--none of our company have been
hurt.

You spoke in your last of my hopes in the future.
You know, my dear wife, that the truths of the
Christian religion have always had much weight
with me and since I have been in service, the
uncertainty of life and the necessity of preparing
for a future life have been duly and I pray
profitably felt. I can but hope however feebly
that when I do die, I may be with my wife
in heaven--You I believe hope the same.
give my best love to all at home. Ma, Pa
Willie, Maggie and whoever may be there
also to your mother & Va.
I shall write to you again shortly --in the mean-
time I hope that the prayers of my darling pious
wife will avail much before the throne of grace.
It is useless to say again how much I want to
see you--My heart aches to see you and I think
of you always--My own precious wife!

unsigned letter from Howe Peyton Cochran, Sgt., 1st Virginia Artillery

MSS 9380-a