Camp near Louisville Ky
Dec 8th 1864
Dear affectionate wife
I take my pen in hand to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well hoping these few lines may reach you the same. I received yours of the 5th yesterday and was sorry to learn that you are afflicted with rheumatism but hope it may be well before this.
It is very cold here yesterday and today and as we do not expect to stay here but a short time I sold my stove as I could not take it with me any farther. I got $4.00 for it. I was to the city day before yesterday and had my pictures taken. It was a very dark day and they did not take vary well but you can see how I look every day. Nearly all the Co. has had theirs taken and I have got some of them and will send them to you.
Yesterday they made a detail of twenty men and an officer of each Co. to go to the City to impress horses to mount our Brigade and they succeeded pretty well but did not get enough so they are at it again today. They take every horse that is serviceable no matter who they belong to. Now I have not much to write this time and when we go away from here I do not think that I can write as many letters as while I am here but hope you will be patient and I hope you will not be long till will meet in welcome affection not to be parted again by cruel war but that we may live in peace and pleasure the remainder of our days.
The rebel army is now laying before Nashville under General Hood and General Thomas will come down on them one of these days and make him rue the day he ever crossed the Tenn River.
About your getting cross--I will forgive you. You may get spunky once in a while but hope you will not let your anger run too far. Please try and be as mild as possible for I know when you get angry somebody must suffer and I fear it falls on the children too often. Try and use them as kind as possible. Then you can set an example for me when I get home. If I should ever be fortunate, so that I could take your place if need be.
You speak about your kraut. I wish I had some of it but we get some issued to us once in a while. Yesterday they gave us a few potatoes and onions.
I am in the captain's tent writing and it is very cold and dark. I just broke my gold pen case and now I am writing with a steel pen, the 1st for about six months. I did not tell you what my pictures cost. They cost $1.25 per doz. I had 16 taken and have given nearly all of them away. I must send Salome one.
With this I will close in hopes of hearing from you soon again. So no more from your affectionate husband
George Kryder
Elisabeth, Lillie and Mary Kryder Please write often
So Good bye.
Dec. 10
Good Morning Dear Wife
After I wrote this yesterday it began to snow and it snowed all afternoon and late in the evening. This morning it is about 4 inches deep but the weather has moderated a great deal but it is pretty cold yet. I will send you two of my pictures and some of my companions. Take care of them if you please. This is all for this time so good bye.
