Hillsdale College, Mich.ªpr. 17, 1863•aCapt. T. D. Kimball:•20 One year ago we were together in pleasant association. Less than a year since we said "good-by", hoping for a speedy re-union - at - least I hoped. War, with its cruel arbitrations, has separated us for now. These months have brought unlooked for changes and hardships; yet I rejoice that they have also brought promotion to my friend - a promotion based upon the actual development of the man within him.•20 Your mother has sent your address with a request that I write you. I am happy to do so as well for the gratification of my own feelings of personal friendship, as I bring to you a respite from the weariness of a dull hour of camp life. Perhaps sometimes you revert to College halls with pleasant reminiscences. We remember you here and should be glad to have you with us again. But a sterner work is before you and you have shown yourself with a heart to do it. Sometimes I think the soldiers will tire of the moral lectures which their friendsd in the anxiety of affection bestow upon them and yet I have heard it remarked that these letters are a great restraint upon our "brave boys", in drawing them from the incitements to evil.•20 Ever since I have visited a camp I have felt that officers have a great many provocations, and have more sympathy for their alledged harshness; yet I do feel that a very great responsibility rests upon a Commandant. The happiness, and measurably, the morals of his subordinates, are intrusted to his keeping. We naturally look to our superiors for example and if they are pure and noble minded, we feel a strong stimulus to be like them. I am glad you have a well-earned command, and I hope you will find strength for your arduous duties.•20 Poor Isaac and John Work are laid to rest. They were good boys, and I shall long remember them. It is a comfort to hope that they died with the consolation of religion. I have often reverted with pleasure to my last summer visit in Ind. Nettie and Frank Smith are here now. We have some 250 students just at the present. There is a good deal of enthusiasm among the different classes in setting out trees upon the College grounds. You know what regular (unclear) we have semioccasionally. We are now experiencing on account of the Pres. having given the Sen. Preps. a plot which the Freshman think belong to them. Prof. Whipple is in miserable health.•20 Ransome Dunn died a few weeks since near Corinth.•20 Mr. Collier and Mr. Drew have executed a tasteful plan for walks upon the grounds, and the student's trees are to line them.•20 My letter is not military. I know your life is hard and I promise my poor prayer for your protection from physical and moral harm. I offer no aplogy for writing and should be glad to hear from you. My kindest regards to Charlie WalkerÂrs truly,³ulia Moore
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