Harper’s Ferry, June 10, 1861

I sent you a letter yesterday, my dear Elodie, giving you notice of an expectation of an attack. Great preparations are making to receive the enemy. Reinforcements are also coming in from Georgia, Lou. and Ala. Is your brother among the Zouaves of New Orleans? If he is, I must make his acquaintance. Mr. Pegues will be here today or tomorrow. His coming will be a great satisfaction to me as we are as dear to each other as brothers. I have only a few moments to write you as the messenger leaves in five minutes for the office. You made me promise to write you if only a line to say that I was well. Until our battle is over, I will have not time to write you long letters.

I am quite well and hopeful of the result as I wear two of you likenesses, my dearest; you are a [] and in all danger, next to God, I turn to you as a sweet angel interceding for my []. Continue to write me at Winchester as we may move from this place.

And now goodby, my dearest. May God keep and preserve you. Farewell.

Ever affty yours,

N.H.R. Dawson

We have no further news of the advance of the enemy.

June 11, 1861

I wrote you yesterday, but the mail did not leave. I have time only to say that tho not quite well, I am not sick.

The columns of Lincoln are coming down on us, and we are anticipating an advance movement on our part. Continue to direct your letters to Harper’s Ferry until you see that we have been obliged to leave. I will give you directions as soon as possible.

My dear Elodie, in all my trials you will be ever present, and your image will be the support of my strength and reliance next to God’s. Goodbye, dearest.

Ever and affectionately yours,

N.H.R. Dawson