Springfield July 20th

Dear Sister
I was glad to hear
from you & have often wondered
whay you did not rite to me
& for the first time you rote me
whay sad news. I got your letter
a wensday morning a Bro handeed
it to me just as I was going to
work I thought it was bad news
I opened it & to read that Brother
Lyman had fell in Battle &
I cold not be rec[o]nsill to it for som
time. Saddening to have to part
with friends in such a manner
but such are the chances of war
we have this for a conlation that he
has given his lif in a noble cause
as you sed if we only knew
what his last thoughts was
[page 2]
but let us leve him in the
hands of the Lord noing that
he doth all things well  I can
but think he is happay God
is able to change you now in
a moment & in the mo[r]n of the
Resurection he may come forth with
the Stars & strips to shine through
out etenity all tho thare may not
be a peace left biger then your tow
hands Christ may look apon it
& say well don thou good & faithful
servent enter into the joyes of thiy
Lord.  A word to Mother this
is a hevey stroke to you & to all
& let us look to one that is
able to comfort us in the our of a
flectin & bind up our broken harts
may God create a new our spirits
& fill us withe his grace. Aner I
want you to rite me all the [petery?]
when you hear from Jake or aney
corse william [Evert?] has riten to his
[page 3]
captain to lurn of Lyman
& Jake
Tell my focks that
they must excuse me for not
riting this week to them I
must rite to Jason & to Bro
Wesley I am well as yousel
I hope to see you all soon

yours in the hope of blessed
immortality through jesus
Christ our Lord
A. B. Blackington
rite soon as you arserten about
what I have riten
give my love to all the
friends & Good by now

I am going to get my [bording?]
[mistres?] to back this letter