1862 June 10 opposite Memphis

[a letter from Charles Ellet, Jr., to his wife as transcribed at a later date]

                                                                    Opposite Memphis
                                                                          June 10, 1862

My beloved Ellie

                      I write by Charles to-day, who is going up to Cairo to
meet you, merely to let you see by my hand writing that I am well and
doing well.
                    It is not two hours since Dr. Robarts extracted the ball from
near my knee, and since then I have eaten a hearty dinner with good
appetite.  Indeed, my appetite has never failed me since I was hurt.
                    I began to be somewhat anxious this morning--but I am satis-
fied now that the removal of this jagged piece of lead will bring
about an immediate improvement.
                     My anxiety is now for you, and Mary and our dear little ones.
Join me here my dear Wife and let us study out the future and talk
over the past.  Bet let me meet you in good health.
                                          Forever yours
                                           Charles Ellet Jr.


MSS 276