From Nellie's brother Wash, May 14, 1863 page 1

Camp Sickles Va. 14th May 1863.

My Dear Nellie,

Not from any fear of that "scolding" which
you were magnanimous enough to promise me if I wasn't
"prompt" to answer you, do I commence this letter. No, indeed:
On the whole I rather like to hear you "go on" -- you do it
so savagely -- and should at all times prefer to get up your
wrath to exciting your tender qualities (as far as fun is
concerned), but being so far away that I can't "make
up faces" to suit the occasion I will content myself
with conducting my pen so that we may remain on
"amicable terms". But there! I am not so prompt
after all! here is your letter written April 21st -- almost
a month ago! it is truly astonishing to reflect on
the flight of time! it doesn't seem more than a
week since your warm-hearted, patriotic letter was received --
yet it must be over a fortnight! Well for me
that time does fly quickly by! -- I am getting some-
what impatient at the long continuance of this cruel
rebellion! -- I wish in a few short months to be again in
Maine, near to those little lambs which I feel it a
sacred duty to watch over, care for and protect!

What does all this fighting, this slaughter of so many brave
and good men amount to? it almost makes the heart
sink within one to contemplate the fearful struggle, the
irreparable loss which this army has just endured and
to think that it has been all in vain! Generals may
construe it as they please and talk as big as they wish
about it, but the solemn fact is, Nellie, We have suffered
a terrible loss and a demoralizing defeat! -- that is
a plain -- an unpleasant fact -- but it is better to
look it square in thehface than seek to hide it as many
do. Yes: I believe we shall come out victorious
in the end, and our cause be triumphant: but