In his first letter, written from Kentucky on May 26, 1862, Elijah is in good spirits and desires his family to know he is well and is currently at Cumberland ford, fourteen miles from the Gap, and looking for a fight. Elijah wishes to come home and see Nancy, but has been denied furlough. He urges Nancy to write him, as he has sent her a few letters and received none in return as of yet. Elijah also assures her he is well fed, as they get plenty of sugar, red coffee, bread, rice and beans. He concludes the letter by admitting to Nancy he is unsure if they will ever see each other again in this life and sends his best wishes for her welfare.