Dec 20, 1863

Sunday eavning  Dec the 20th  1863

Dear companion
after Writing father Mack a letter I thought I would rite you a sheet though I wrote to you a 
few Days ago  this Sabath eavning finds me Well for Which I feel truley thankful to the giver 
of all good  I cinceriley hope this Will find you and the children enjoying the same like blesings  
I Bleve the latest letter I got from you was the 15th of last month  I am overely anxious to heare 
from you again  O how I Would like to Be with you this Sabath eavning But a las 2000 miles 
interveans Between us to Day  But I hope We Will see each other again in life  if not I hope 
We Will meet in that sun Bright clime  I still feel Bound to try to live religious though far a way 
on the plains of texas  While many amuses themselfs By card playing I read my Beautiful 
testament Which Sergt Fitts mad me a present of  he Brought it from home With him  When 
he come out he was a praying man and yet has a pious Wife at home  But alas he like many 
others has gon astray  he gave me his testament and remarked that I would respect it and read 
it that he could not  he delights him self now in card playing and swearing  But enough on that 
now  Rachel it will Probabillay Be some Weeks Before this comes to hand  I dont no that thare 
will be any ship going out for some Days  But I shal Write as often as prudent so you will get 
some of my letters  you must do the same  I Wont you to do the Best you can for your self and 
children  it is likeley it Will be some time Before I will have the chance to send you any more 
money  I havnt heard from the 2 last packages I sent you  I dont mind my hardships here if I no 
you and the little Boys is doing well at home  as the half sheet is full I will have to close But 
remaine your husband as ever

D S to Rachel Morgan

tell Brother Micklers folks I will Write to them again Before long  extend my love and respects 
to all the neighbors