Officers Hospital

June 21st 1863

Dear Lottie

I just received your letter from East Worcester. I was surprised to learn you had got home, but it is just as well, for I cannot say when I shall go North or any where else. I wrote you a few days ago and directed my letter to Marengo.

You will probably never get it, for I presume Will will Open it for you—OI could give five dollars today if I had it.

Lottie you speak of me going East if I get a leave of absence. If I could get one of 40 days days I would do so—I would not only go to see you—but would go a little farther and visit my old Mother in Vermont—

But when I consider the distance between you and me now, I almost believe that we shall never be permitted to see each other again. I am so situated and probably will be until this war is over that it will be impossible for me to make many visits. And by the time I do get ready you will care not about meeting me. For I expect, Lottie, that you will not live a single life many years perhaps months or weeks—After you have become the wife of some fair one I shall have but a very little desire to meet you for I will not say why. It would only cause the mind to advert to the past and bring up before it all that we ever were to each other.

Oh Lottie—could I had sit by your side to day. I might be much more interesting to you than I can make myself wish the pen. I am in low spirits. I am almost homesick--were I not shame to say it, I would declare it.

I suppose you are enjoying all of lifes blessings, surrounded as you are by all your friends and the peaceful avocations of life, you ought to be happy. The Soldier has no time be happy. When he would, time or his studies would prevent him from drinking from the cup of enjoyment. Time comes and goes with him and he is none the wiser.

I hope my dear Girl you had a pleasant journey home—and that you were met by your friends who were glad to see you. May you long live to enjoy their social greetings— No Lot I want to tell you one thing—I am homesick—and I cant nor will not write you any more—I shall always remember you

Adieu

WB

P. S. I am well write me.

A Kiss