A great many of our brother soldiers has left us on this retreat, and a heap more says if they fall back from here they will not go any further a-past their homes. I can't blame them. Frances, you must keep this letter concealed. Don't let anyone see it. But remember me forever is my wish.
Stores are closed and all business suspended.
We are to pray that they may be defeated, driven back and our righteous cause prevail. From over the hills, the cannons boom, boom, and in the skies above there are mighty thunderings, the rumblings of God's chariot wheels. Our pleasant evening had a sad termination. We went to our rooms at twelve o'clock, and I had just stretched myself out for a good night's rest when mother came to the door and said that father was very ill. I sprang to the floor and went to get a light and hunt for the laudanum bottle. . . .