Clover Creek May 24 1865
Dear papa I sit down this beautiful
afternoon to let you know that we
are all well and safe that these
few lines may find you enjoying
good health it is very nice weather
but the nights are cold and the nats
are very bad we are getting very tired to
see you Mother says she thinks she
Cannot stand it until you Come home
we never forget to pray for your
return I would give any thing if
you Could be at home with us
[page 2]
tomorrow is asension day and we talk
of going down to prayer meeting tomorrow
we will not forget to pray in our
hearts for you we know that you
pray for us I know that god will bring
you safe home to us agsain I know
he will Mother is sewing and Martha
is sitting aout in the shade finishing
her dress and lissie is reading [?]
Ellie said I should be sure to tell
you that she was making a smoke
to keep the nats away you must not
be uneasy for god will keep us safe
and well and bring you home again
good bye Dear papa Emma Benson

[1]you must get your likeness taken in
your uniform and send it to me you must
stand with your bayonet in your hand
get it as soon as you can getn it