Fredericksburg Va

May 31st 1863

Dearest One,

This sabbath I proceed to answer your verry loveing letter dated 13th inst. which came to my hands on wednesday last. The greatest privilege enjoyed by me is reading one of your verry affectionate epistles.

We have all been in an agony of suspence most of the time for ten days to hear the final result of the conflict which has been going on in Miss. One day the telegram would bee encouraging, the next probably there would bee no news from our side, but a dispatch would be received by the Yanks that Vicksburg had falen.

Knowing Grants force to bee so much larger than ours, and haveing so little confidence in [Confederate Gen. John C.] Pemberton, you may imagine the gloom that would over spread the troops here. I believe that it will all work out right yet. We have just heard from a reliable source that Grant had fllen back on the Big Black [River]. If so the queen city is for the present safe, but what hurts me is that he will get off with his entire force after doing so much mischief.

I fear [Confederate General] Joe Johnston has been to slow with the reserve that he has been collecting to do the enemy much damage, but it is not right for me to judge such a man as I believe him to bee. I am anxious to hear from there as the men from our county were no doubt engaged, and it is but reasonable to suppose that some of them are killed or wounded. It may bee some relative.

Well Love we are still liable to an allarm occasionally. Last night about mid night we were awoke and told that the enemy [was] crossing above and below. I went out to see if there was anything going on, and from the noise they were making with wagons and artilery, I firmly believed that we would soon have some more exciting times. We all set to work and by day light had three days rations cooked when to our surprise no enemy was on this side of the River and every thing quiet.

The excitement [was] caused by the falling back of old Joe [Hooker] insted of an advance. It is generally believed that they are going to fall back to their old line nearer Washington or try some other road to Richmond.

Rain is verry much needed here, have had none for some time. The mess had a fine mess of greens and lettuce for dinner. I think it was worth five dollars to me alone. Thad and I have engaged a mess of strawberys for tomorrow. Now wont we feast.

I dremed last night that a lady of this place sent for me and when I got there she invited me in the parlor and introduced me to you. How I would like to clasp you in my arms as I thought in my dream. I dream of seing you often, some times I cant get to speak to you.

We had a fine sermon to day from the Chapl. of the 15th S.C. Regt. We have started a prayer meeting in our company to take place three times a week. Preaching, prayer meeting, and Bible class, every day for the Brigade. All are in fine health. Keep in good spirits, my love to all. Yours N.N. Nash

[P.S.] Col Wade is getting verry low. It will bee a long time before he gets well, if ever. All the prisoners have returned to their diferent compaies, been exchanged. Love you ought to swap some corn for wheat if Pa is wiling. Would like for you to have some biscuit to put your butter on. No deaths have occured in the Brig for some time.