Camp near Harrisons LandingAugust 3rd 1862My Darling wife,

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I have not written to you for several days as I did not know how to make a letter reach you. I rec’d yr letter fr Marblehead house I think it was. I think you did not get all my letters addressed to you in Boston. Am glad you have been having such good times, & are so well. I should like to be with you, I should not care where we were. I should only want to see you my sweet angel. I dreamed about you last night. It was the best dream I ever had. I had such a good time it woke me up. Darling when shall I see you. I must soon

We should have such a splendid time. Remember one year ago or a little more. Who was ever so happy as we then Remember those splendid days and nights. O my love I do want to see you again. Wonder if you have love me just as well all this time, & are as true. What should I do if you were not. Darling how intensely I love you. When can I see you! I wish this war might end. If I could but be united to you I should be happy I am very well & we are having a nice time here. Col. Hyde has returned but has not [assumed] command yet. I hate to go playing second fiddle again. I think Genl Smith will detach me for some purpose again.

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It is much pleasanter for me to have a command of my own. I want a new reg’t. I could make it what I should want it to be. But while the Governor has a cousin I shall stand no chance. His argument ag’st me is that I cannot be spared from this place, that the Genl would not let me of. Capt. Atherton has returned but hardly fit for duty, is lame yet. May be always He has been at home with his wife all summer, since April. What would I give for such a privilege. Should not care for his wound how- ever. How much more of war I have seen & yet unhurt. The Rebs opened on us the other night but got the

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worst of it I think. I should like so much to have been in Boston with you & seen all the girls there. What makes you admire all my old flames so much, wish they could get married, poor souls. Did’nt you have any flirtations all the while at the Island or elsewhere. How foolish to ask such questions. How I would flirt with you. Is’nt it fine not to be together enough to wear out the honey moon. Which we never might, shall we? What a [dogs] life is a soldiers, not ever allowed to see ones wife. Tyranny I call it. Good night my angel. I wish you were in yr fond husbands arms.

Wheelock.