Ophtholmic Hospital
Americus Ga. Feb. 19th 1865
My Dear companion I Seat my self to answer your kind letter which
I have before me now. I am proud to hear from you once more, and that you
was well as common. This leaves me well, except my Ears they are sore
the Dr. has been working on them He has done me no good yet that I
perceive. I hope these lines may reach, & find you well, and doing well
also the rest of the family and friends. I received your very welcome
letter day before yesterday, and I would have written sooner
but I wanted to go yesterday to Mrs.. Spencer’s, which I
did, and found them all well, as common, and doing well
The Old Lady Spencer Said to tell Margaret, that She was
has got 3 of Martha’s Children, and 2 of Jordan’s at her
house to try to raise. Martha’s step mother has 2 of her other
children The old Lady Says She thinks She has got
provission enough to do until She makes more.
2 of her daughters are living with her..
She Says tell Mrs. Spencer to write to her.. The old lady Says
She wants all to Stay of of the war that can. &c. &c.
I am glad to hear of So many [?] being [??] and hope they will
Stay till I come.. I dont wish the Police any harm. But [??]
they will Freeze of up if they continue to ride I was not Sur-
-prised to here of Bill Cook & Sikes being at home but
will be Surprised to hear of their leaving.
I was also glad to here that Sammy was at home
[page 2]
Tom Head will play the Devil when he
gets to conscripting Negros & white men both
but he is the chap to do the work.
I am in hopes that you will here from Bro.
Wash by the next letter I get.. I have not herd from
him since I left home
I drew some tobacco yesterday, and will draw Some
more to morrow they Say we got back rations
to morrow is the regular time for d[????]
I have now war news to write..
the Dr. is furloughing Retiring & discharging me
occasionly I am only watching oppertunity
may be I.ll get to come home Sometime
though it may not be Soon..
I will close for this time.
Farewell for this time..
Yours &c W.H. Harden
Tell the Girls all to write

I wish I could be with you now