Page 3 May 15, 1862

so believe; but let our generals alone
when they exercise prudent delay.

I hear that England and Fra-
nce have ordered the South to lay dow-
n their arms, and return to their allegi-
ance. This I do not like; for indeed
we can settle our own difficulties
ourselves, and it were more glorio-
us to chrush this [nounsteous ?] rebelloion
by are own resources. We do not
court the esteem of England; for she
has proved traitor to our forth, and
d we can not trust her more.

I received a letter from Tom some
three weeks ago, and answered it, but
it is said that the mail does not go
from this place regularly. This perha-
ps is the cause of his not receiving a
letter from me for some time. Tell Oren
Freeman to write. I have not received
a letter from him for a great while.

I hope this distressing war will
soon end. I desire to be at home, where