New Hartford New York
August 6th 1863

My Dearest Husband

Day before yesterday, and today, I was made very happy by the reception of two good long letters from the one loved best, dated July 28th & 30th. I did not know I would be so much disappointed when I learned that you had given up all hope of obtaining a leave of absence, but I feel that it is so certainly all for the best. I do not think of repining. My health continues to improve and if nothing happens to prevent I will go to Carlisle week after next. I rec’d a letter from Hanna a few days ago in which se very warmly urged Mother and myself to come and spend the remainder of the summer with them. She offered to meet me in Harrisburg if I traveled alone but I hardly think it necessary to put her to that trouble, as I shall probably travel all the rest of the way without company, and if Father is failing she will be much needed at home. Mother thinks she cannot spend the time to go there this summer she has not finished her visit here yet, and begins to think she ought to be at home.

We shall wean Frankie next week.

You say you think you have received all my letters I know you have not though I do not remember their states. I wrote you two or three before the 10th July which is the earliest one you mentioned. I think it was in the 1st one I wrote after arriving here that I made this remark. “I would not have left so suddenly as I did but Mother absolutely refused to come without us” I thought I told you the reason of my hasty departure in the 1st letter I wrote after I made up my mind to go, but as you did not know that Mother was with me I conclude you could not have received all my letters. Tell Chris Tetter I should be very glad to receive a letter from him. Tell him to write. Say to [?] to prepare Frankie’s bed and be sure and have it long enough. he is growing amazingly, a few feet longer than his own will do. Give my love to all my friends of the 129th. I am glad Russel got home at last. I can imagine just how he acted. I wish I could be in S. School once more and hear your letter read. It seems such a long long time since I was there. I cannot write you a description of my journey and visit to do them justice so conclude to defer it until I see you face to face, & besides I have been so poorly since I have been here I have walked no where, & it does not seem as if I had seen many things that was once familiar, everything is so changed, it does not look like the place I used to know as New Hartford. If the war was only over and we were back together in our little brown house, I feel as though I should never want to leave it again, not even to come to New Hartford. I am very glad you did not have another attack of fever always be prompt in taking preventives in season and there will be less danger of disease. Frankie & Mama are much obliged for the kiss from Papa. It was good. Frankie is making such a racket now with a broken rocking chair that I can barely write. Here is a kiss of your style from us I dare not let Frankie give it for he would spit on it I will write again tomorrow and answer your letter of the 30th May Our Father abundantly bless my dear Husband and keep him in safety amid the dangers which surround him. Good bye

Ever your aff Wife
M.M. Culver