Simon Hadley Letter to Lauretta Hadley 08 March 1864

              Camp near Oottawah March the 8th/64
Dear Sister Ett
I now hasten to write a few lines to let you know that I am well and my thoughts on kind friends at home. To day is a very fine lovely day it makes me think of spring at home the birds are trying to cheer me with their mary songs. They make me think of my little Walter at home O! that I could be with him this coming spring last night we had quite a thunderstorm. John has gone to Chattanooga to day Frank sets here on his bunck writing. He sends his warmest thanks to you for that house-wife you sent him. He had lost his. Our boys are in good health. I must go to roll call conce Ett I will now finish my chat with you. I hope that this letter will find you all well and happy kind and good to each other