.Njk1.OTA1

[1]

Chaffin’s Bluff April 27th 1863

Dear Nat –

I am glad to inform you, that the orders to evacuate our comfortable Quarters are countermanded though not before it had done serious damage to our camp – Most of the Company had sold their household & kitchen furniture Chickens, pigs, [seine?], [?] &c In fact every thing but the necessary contents of knapsacks had been dis -posed of – We sent our plunder or rather fortune over to Mr Jones – All we sold was, our hilling hoe & gave the tomattoe plants to Jones Your trunk is with him, we are better off than most of the messes –

[2]

Nat you have my warmest sympath -ies in this, your sad bereavement – May god give you grace to bow in humble submission to his will, & that you may recognize his hand in this as in all things else: though you shall see your precious, darling Charlie [underscored] no more here, is it not pleasant to think of him a little Angel in heaven; will this not be another tie to bind you to that happy place where the weary are at rest. [‘weary...rest’ underscored] there is an over [ruling?] providence in all things. Gods ways are mysterious, those He loveth, He [chasteneth?] This no doubt is a means to draw your nearer to him –

We are anxious to hear from you all, hope Minnie [?] [struck-through] is better & that you [struck-through] all are getting well – If you wish

[3]

me to attend to any matter you may think of, write & I will do so with pleasure. Give much love to Cousin Nannie, Cos Pattie Cos Millie, Cos Lou & all – Nat I miss you very much, hope you may enjoy your stay at home – We are all well & getting on finely here again – am in hope that we are permanently situated here now –

Yr frd & messmate A. V. Daniel

P.S. Have just received by mail today five letters for you – enclose two of them, others from Sas Fork & Townesville. We feel very anxious to hear from you all – Write soon. Yrs very Truly A.V.D.