Winchester, Virginia, June 25, 1861

I wrote you last Sunday, my dear Elodie, and if you will be content with a short letter will write again today.

I am here this morning purchasing caps, pants, etc., for the Cadets. We rec’d a remittance from Man. Haden today by Mr. Davidson but regret that our boxes did not arrive.

The company feels under many obligations to the ladies and gentlemen of Selma and Summerfield for their kindness and liberality, and I hope we will appreciate them.

No change has taken place in our position since writing you. I do not think now that we will have to do any fighting until after the meeting of the congress of the U. States in July, when I hope reason will bring Mr. Lincoln to his proper senses.

We are making great preparations for the war, and this of itself will have some weight with our enemies. Our regiment is composed of fine material and is being well disciplined. Col. Jones is endeavoring to improve my rank, and we have a very fine Lieut. Col. I wish now I had not yielded to the wishes of my company and had taken the office that was offered to me. I went to church on Sunday night and was very much gratified. I felt devout and prayed for you, my own dearest Elodie. I hope that you will be permitted to kneel with me at the altar and that together our prayers will ascend to the throne of Grace. Oh, my dearest, this is one of the wishes nearest my heart that you should be a Christian by profession. You are now one in all things save the act of public profession, and I am glad to see from your letters that you are inclined to be one.

I am writing at the office of Mr. Philip Williams. He has consulted me about the standing of Mr. Averitt’s family. I have given him all the information I have, which is favorable. The object you can understand. If you are at a loss to where to write to me, address your letter under cover Mr. Philip Williams, and he will see that it is forwarded.

And now, dearest, I must close this letter which was only written to tell you that I am well. You must not count it as a letter, simply a telegram. Goodbye. May God keep and preserve you.

Ever affty and sincerely yours,

N.H.R. Dawson