How is baby tonight? And its mother? Still well I hope.

Joseph Culver Letter, September 16, 1864, Page 1Hd. Qurs. Battery “M” 1st Ill. Arty.
Atlanta Ga. 16 Sept. 1864.
My Dear Sister Mollie:

How is baby tonight? And its mother? Still well I hope. I would like to drop in and make the acquaintance of my new relative. You know I never cared much about babies, but I suppose this is an extraordinary one. And a boy too. God bless the little fellow and his mother very abundantly. I saw Capt. Frank today. The 129th with its Brigade have arived from the river and gone into camp near us. Frank came over first after they came in, but only stayed a few minutes, and what is very strange I did not think to say anything to him about the baby. I noticed he was in excellent spirits and seemed tickled about something and looked at me as if to say “why don’t you say something about the baby?” He probably would not have waited for me to take the iniative, had we been alone, but I suppose he did not like to come out with it before several officers. Yet he was aware that I knew of the fact, for I told him that I had received a letter from you written the 2d of Sept. and one from mother of the 1st. I will go over tomorrow and rejoice with him. He looks well and hearty. He has applied for a leave of absence. I think his prospect for getting it is not very good.

A number of our boys have applied for furloughs I do not know whether there will be any granted or not. I have not tried for a chance, as I think there are many who need to go home more than I do, and there can go only a few if any. I can hardly hope to go home before next fall. I would much like to go next spring, but it is not probable that I can. Well if I can’t go home I shall have to write more letters – yet I don’t know whether it will pay or not. I have a few lady correspondents which I will drop untill I get out of the service – Aug 8th 1867- and write home only, and employ my time in the study of the profession of arms instead of in writing “letters of friendship. That’s the best? isn’t it? That will be “as it should be.” (What a splendid looking page this is, no wonder I think it best to stop writing to young ladies)

Sammy and I are both very well. We are having beautiful weather here and a good [rest?]. But more anon. Write [often?]

Affectionately
Your Brother
Lieut W.J. Murphy
Battery “M” 1st Ill. Arty.
4th Army Corps
Atlanta Georgia

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