Fredericksburg Va

March 17th 1863

Dear Mollie

I have been waiting a number of days for a letter from you, but have been looking in vain. Haven’t hear a word from you since I lift. My health is good except a cold which has been troubling me very much for the last four days. Am nearly well of that now. A number of the boys seem to be complaining with colds. With that exception the health of the company is verry good.

John Gilliland got his furlough [and] gave it to Thad. Sent a petition up to have the furlough transferred and neither petition nor furlough has been heard from.

I went to church last night [and] heard a fine sermon {and] a many good prayers offered up for this brigade. The meeting has been going on over a month. Over one hundred have joined the church, about fifty mourners. The very large church is pretty well filled three times a day. I sincerely hope that much good will bee done, for if any men need religion it is this Brigade.

I don’t believe this war will ever stop until the people turn their hearts to God for His guidance and protection. There is a probability that we will have an engagement here soon. The Yanks are on some great move, either a run or flank movement.

That peace mania has all played out up here. The enemy seem to bee more determined than ever to subjugate us. Well they will have a lively time at that. As I said when I was at home there is going to be some hard fighting, but still I believe it will not last long. The enemy are going to make one more desperate effort all around and if they fail I think they will then commence fighting among themselves.

I think we will have one more fight here, and such a floging the Yanks never got as we will give them. I have seen Ella but twice since she came. Am going to see her today if nothing happins. I don’t know what she will do if we fight at this place.

Well my own darling one I can think of nothing else that will interest you. I have dreamed of seeing you so often since I came back. How happy I felt the short time that we were together. I cant find words to express my joy at seeing you. But I hope and pray the day is not far distant when this unholy war shal end. And we bee permitted once more to enjoy the comforts of home together. What a happy meeting that will bee.

We get plenty Sugar, flour and bacon, have the finest Rolls you ever saw. I wish you could see some of them. Well loved one I will close this scattering letter [and] promise to do better next time.

My love to all and receive many kisses from your

Newton