William Wirt Henry to John Henry
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I received yours written this morning, to night and am very sorry to hear sister
Katie is no better. still I believe she will get over it, for a fever is one of
the diseases that hardly ever prove fatal, persons will go down almost to the
brink of the grave, and then recover. She is very sick there is no doubt but
somehow I believe she is going to get over it, and have all the time. You must
keep up your courage good, and be brave and carefull as I know you can when in
great trouble. I got back safe and sound Saturday night, and all appeared glad
to see me. I learned the first thing that my case was all right with the war
department - to day Monday we were mustered into the United States Service, and
I have got my commission as Maj. of the l0th Regt. and am now in the service of
my country, and shall endeavor to do my duty like a major
whatever the consequence. If all was well at home I should feel that this was
the proudest day of my life. I am going to do the best I can to visit you again,
but it is a little doubtful. to day
the Col. told me the Gov thought
some of sending me on to Washington in the morning to get things ready for the
Regt when it gets there, but as I have heard nothing further from it I guess he
has given it up. The Col. asked “if I was ready to start for Washington tomorrow
morning" I told yes – a soldier should always be ready to go where he was of the most service. We do not
know anything yet of the time we are to leave here. I will let you know every
day what the news is and you must do the same.by me. Do not get frightened about
Katie for she has got a. strong constitution and can bear a great amount of
sickness. take care of yourself and babies and let the neighbors take care of
Katie there is plenty of them that know how and are willing. Keep up good
courage, all will be well.
As Ever YoursWilliam