Winchester, July 13, 1861

I send you by mail or by express today five packages containing all of your letters but that of the 4th July, which I retain, my dear Elodie, that I may read it when I am gloomy and fair to hear from you. Please remember that these letters are very precious to me and are to be preserved carefully and are only sent that they may be out of all danger of falling into other hands. I would part with them under no other considerations.

We are all quiet again as Gen. Patterson has not advanced, but we are engaged in preparing to meet the enemy should he come in this direction.

I received a very flattering and kind letter from Mrs. Mabry yesterday written on the evening of the 6th. She does not mention Miss Gertrude, and in my answer I have done the same. It was very kind in her to write me. Don’t you think so?

Mr. Averitt has just called to see me on his return from seeing Miss Williams. He tells me that she has in her trunk the flag of the Cadets and will preserve it carefully. What think you of this? It was done without my knowledge, having been sent here by Mr. A. on our leaving Harper’s Ferry.

Col. Forney’s Ala. Reg. is expected here this evening. I have many acquaintances among the members. I am not permitted by an order to tell anything that is going on here but can say to you that we will be able successfully to defend this point. I wish, my dear Elodie, that peace would succeed this war speedily as I am really anxious to see you and to return to obtain that happiness which you alone can give me. If I could believe for a moment the idle suggestion of Mrs. Pegues, I would never have confidence in your sex. I have never been deceived by a lady and never will be and least of all by you, whom I love, as the paragon of the female character. I have too much regard for the sex to entertain opinions so injurious. She you know believes that the majority of women are not what they appear, and when I remonstrated told me I had had no experience as I had been [ ] in my knowledge. Poor lad. I pity her and feel so sorry for Mr. P. and herself that I am almost tempted to write her a letter of condolence. It is a happiness that I am not suspicious. When I love I have the utmost confidence, and I would rather die than live to lose it in one whom I loved.

Time will rapidly pass now, I think, and I hope that I will be able to get a furlough to spend Christmas at home. If so I will certainly see you for a half hour. I am glad you are so considerate as to tell me that you are not in earnest in many of your declarations as I can’t see your face, but really I think I know when you are jesting. Mr. McCraw and myself are to dine with Mr. Williams today, and I must shorten my letter to prepare as I wish to be well-dressed. You would hardly know your dear friend and captain If you met him on the streets in his fatigue uniform.

I will write you frequently dearest as I am anxious to do all in my power to please you and rejoice that my letters please you. I send you a letter to read which you will please burn after reading.

And now, my dear Elodie, goodbye. May God bless and preserve you always.

Ever affty and sincerely yours,

N.H.R. Dawson