Camp Stonewall Brig[ade] 
Aug 5th 1863 
 
Dear Mother, 
 
 Today whilst making up bread for my dinner, who should come up but Jim Humbles with my knapsack full of clothes, how thankful I was to get them no one knows but one who has been without clothes as long as I have.   
 After dinner I took soap and went to the creek, took a good wash and put on my clothes, every article of which fits to suit the taste of the most fastidious.  But how sorry I am that you were so much troubled to get them sent.  I am glad that I am indebted to none of my friends for bringing them to me. 
 
[Page 2] 
 I know that you are troubled now more than usual, God help you to sustain yourself under them all.   
 I am afraid from all accounts that I hear that Elihu  
is leading quite a reckless life, I pray God to turn him from the error of his ways.  I wish you all would write and tell me everything that concerns the family in any thing.   
 You may think that such things are not interesting to me  
but since I have changed my course in life everything is interesting.  I don't feel as I used to, I trust that I have now learned to view life in a different light, not intended to be spent in a  
 
[Page 3] 
gay and reckless manner but for higher and nobler purposes.  I have not received your letter written before this one, so cannot answer your questions, but will answer the one asked in this letter.   
 I have no doubt that the position would be a very pleasant as well as a profitable one and also suit me very well, but my sense of duty cannot let me leave the field for any easy position in such a time as this.  I have no doubt that far abler bodied ones are occupying those positions than myself but I trust that I may be able to stand the service this 
 
[Page 4] 
summer and fall in which time I hope our cause, by the help of God, will be Gloriously triumphant and we may all be permitted to return to our homes in peace and safety.  God can shelter us in the storm of battle as well as at home. 
 Tell Elnora I intended answering her letter long before this but was so dirty and felt so mean that I knew that it would be uninteresting but now as I am fixed up so nice I will answer immediately.  Love to all friends.  God bless you is the prayer of your son,   -- Ted 
 
 Tell Cousin John I am very much obliged to him but feel compelled to decline his offer, 
Ted.