Camp near Columbia Tenn.
May 11th 1864
Dear and Beloved Wife
I take my pen in hand to let you know that I em reasonable well and hope this letter may reach you all reasonable well and in good spirits. I rec'd. your letter of the 4th today and was very glad to hear from you that you are well but sorry to hear that Mary had such a cold and hope it may be well before this time. I have had a very bad time with my arm since I wrote to you but it is nearly well. I think I wrote to you how it was swelled up under my arm and the doctor put tincture of iodine on till the skin all came off and he still kept putting it on till the skin is coming off again and he succeeded in driving it away, so that it will not break and I can use my arm again and will be able for duty. I have done only two days duty since we came back last week.
We drew some horses but I did not want any till I could take care of one, so yesterday we got some more and I got a very nice bay mare and this morning we moved camp about three miles. Yesterday it rained a little in the morning and yesterday evening we had the hardest thunderstorm I have seen in the south and most all forenoon. We had very pleasant weather about a week. It is cloudy and cool today.
I am glad that Lillie gets along so well going to school and that she has such a good teacher. I am sorry you have such backward spring but there will be a time to sow and a time to reap according to the old promise. The spring must be a good deal earlier in Illinois than in Ohio or Uncles folk could not plant so early. I should think you would be afraid you would lose your cow letting her run out. I believe if I were in your place I would sell her the first chance I could get for she will be a great deal of trouble to you if you keep her.
I suppose [you?] have heard of the Virginia Army being on the move whipping the Rebs as they go and I hope before you get this you will get the news that Richmond is fallen but that may be a little too soon. If we get it by the 4th of July I will be well satisfied.
You say that you cannot take the world easy. Then I would say take it as easy as you can. I received a letter from Ezra today and he was well. He was at Grand-Ecore Louisiana and they were in a battle and were defeated, losing all their Artillery and their wagon and ambulance and several prisoners were taken. He told me to direct 1st Ind. Battery, New Orleans, Louisiana.
I made a ring for one of the little girls and I intend to send it when I get another one made. Then you can give them as it will best suit. I had another one made and broke it just as it was done.
We have no saddles yet but expect them soon. We expect our pay one of these days. Have you heard nothing from that judgement at Esq. Gilsons. It must be he got my letter but may be he done nothing about it. Word just came in that Gen. Grant said he would be in Richmond in three days but I am afraid it is only camp talk.
I believe I have given you all the news that I can think of at present so I will come to a close in hopes of hearing from you soon. No more this time. I remain your true and affectionate Husband
George Kryder
Elisabeth S. Kryder
[Continued by Henry Sweetland]
Sister Lib!
Your kind note was read with pleasure, and I was glad to hear that you was well. There is plenty of news, but I suppose you will have read it George's and so there will be no use of my repeating it. I am well and sincerely hope this may find you enjoying that great blessing HEALTH.
We enjoy ourselves first rate and manage to gormandize a many "Hardtach" as "uncle Sam's" limited means will allow him to donate, and as much "sowbelly as is agreeable. I hope we will get relieved from this monotonous business of guarding the railroads in the rear and get sent to the front where we can see something. Well, Lib, I won't write any more this time.
Yours truly,
Henry W. Sweetland
