Camp Standley
Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Jan. 22, l863

Dear and loving Wife:

In answer to your kind and welcome letter of the 11 inst. which I rec'd yesterday and it gave me much pleasure to hear from you, but am sorry that you was not well but hope and trust that this may reach you all well and in good spirits. My health was never better than at this time. Henry is well. I had a letter from Samuel last Thursday and he is well.

And that morning we started out on a three days scout. We went to Liberty and there we had a skirmish with some of Morgan's cavalry, but they ran like fury and we took about 40 prisoners and killed and wounded several. There was some three or four of our men wounded but none killed that I know of. Our regiment did not get in the fight much so that I did not get a chance to fire my carbine at all. We had a good time till yesterday coming back it commenced raining and rained hard all the way, but we have got oil cloths to put over us so that we did not get wet.

You wanted to know in your other letter whether I had stockings and such things. I have all that I can take care of. We have very good clothes in general (and they gave me credit for those clothes that we turned over last spring). I drew about $2.00 more than they allowed us and they say that will come out of our next payment. My whole account was about $63.00 and they gave us credit for a little over $18.00 and this year coming I will not have to get half as much for I have good clothes on hand that will last me some time.

You said that you wished I could get my discharge. I am sorry to have you so lonesome, for if it were not for that I would not take a discharge under any circumstances, for I feel it my duty to be here for a can subdue the Rebels if it were not for the northern peacemakers who encourage the Rebels all the time. And they will keep on as long as they can for I think three months more will wind it up, but if it continues longer I think it will keep on another year. But I hope the time is short for I want to get to see you soon as I can, but there are no furloughs granted so that it is improbable at present to get home. But the officers of our Regiment are trying to get this Regiment to go to Ohio to recruit up and if they accomplish it, I will come and see you anyhow. But do not put too much dependence on this for they may fail and then you would be disappointed and would make you feel worse than if you had not thought about it. Only live in hope and do not despair. And try and take care of your health for I think our happy days are not all gone yet.

You say that Bail Wheeler says that I could get my discharge if I knew how. I am sorry there are so many such men as Bail, for our country would go to ruin for all such cowardly men as him that have got discharges under false pretence, though he may not be able for duty. But if he is not he deceives my mind. I am glad that you have got such good neighbors to help you along.

You say that father is married, which is a job of his own, and all I have to say is that I wish them good luck. And you said that we would have to shift for ourselves and wanted to know what I thought about that. That is just what I always expected to do for I never depended on him for help.

You say that I must not forget to write to Lillie. I always think of her but have not much to write to her, but I hope she is a good girl and I will always remember her. Tell me whether my gun is all right yet. You know I told you not to lend it to anybody. If I had a chance to come home I could bring a double barrel shot gun home. The Rebels use them most all and we capture a good many of them and if I could come home I could bring a good many trophies of different kinds.

Just now the artillery is firing a salute as it is the birthday of Washington. Every Battery in each division is to fire thirty two rounds and that makes it sound like as if there was a battle.

I have not much more to say this time so I must come to a close in hopes of hearing from you soon. No more but remain your true and affectionate Husband

George Kryder

Write soon and direct as before
Murfreesboro, Tenn.