May 25, 1861

We received news last night of the invasion of Va. by Alexandria and of the death of Col. Ellsworth of the New York Zouaves. My letter was written in the afternoon, and it seems to have been strange that my allusion to him should have been so soon confirmed. I hope Miss Kate was not interested in him more than in an ordinary acquaintance. You know he exhorted his soldiers to invade the South and promised them “beauty and booty.” Providence seems to have cut him off as soon as he touched our soil, and it will not surprise me if the army, led on by Scott, does not meet the same fate. There is great bitterness felt on our side, and will kill all that we can lay our hands on.

I am quite well this morning. Our regiment will remain here. If we are moved, you will continue to write me here as your letters will be forwarded. I now fear that we will have much hard fighting to do. We are in the right, and this nerves me for the contest, and when I think of my loved Elodie I am stronger and braver as I know she sympathizes with me and prays for my safe deliverance. I admire your courage and bravery. It makes me love more ardently. But I confess that I dislike the idea of losing my head, not so much of my own account as on yours as it will grieve you more than it can me. But I should not write so lightly upon this grave subject. My dear Elodie, I love you so much that it absents all of my thoughts. Do you complain that my letters are wanting in affection? If you do, I will endeavor to improve this style.

Our company is the right center one, and we bear the colors of the regiment. You see a good deal about posts of honor and danger. The position of companies is accidental, depending upon the date of the captain’s commission. Ours is accidental, but I hope we will deserve it. And now goodbye. God bless you my dearest. Write me often and give me long letters. They can’t be too long. Adieu.

Ever affectionately yours,

N.H.R. Dawson