Franklin, Tenn.
Oct 21st 1864
Dear Beloved Wife
I take my pen in hand to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and hearty as my health was never better and I hope this sheet may soon reach you all in the enjoyment of good health and buoyant spirits as it leaves me.
We have just received glorious news from Virginia. Genl. Sheridan has defeated the Rebs taking forty three pieces of artillery and many prisoners and news of the election is cheering as we have strong union majorities in every state we have heard from and my hopes are strong that we will elect Lincoln and Johnson with an overwhelming majority and that will dishearten the rebels more than half dozen defeats in battle for they expect big favors from the McClellan Party, should he be elected, but if not they will it is my opinion cry for peace and seek for mercy in Father Abraham's bosom and the war close before spring. But I may be disappointed but I hope not.
I will tell you that some of our detachment were curious to know how the men would vote for president, so they held an election. Out of 118 votes 112 were for Lincoln and 6 for McClellan and that seems to be about an average through the army.
Well I will tell you that I received your letter of the 13th yesterday evening and was very glad to learn that you were all well but am sorry that you do not get my letters more regular, as I write in an average once a week. But I had not heard from you in about two weeks. You say you will send me some stamps, which you need not do yet as I have got twelve yet. I have not got my coat yet but look for it every day. I have got 55 cts yet and I do not need much as long as I am well. I have some leather of old saddles I can sell and get the money for it for I expect you will need all you have and more. I am glad you have made arrangements to keep your cow. I do not expect to be paid off for some time. They are making out pay rolls now but my descriptive list is not here so I will not draw any pay. There is $156.00 due the first of next month.
It will be lonesome for you when the old lady goes away. Perhaps you can get somebody else to live in the house with you. I am on picket again. I was on two days and off two days and tomorrow morning I will be relieved again. I was on here last Monday and wrote you a letter and now I am writing sitting on my blanket by a smoky fire. It is pretty cold today the wind is blowing from the north but it is clear and dry. You mentioned about the nice moonlight evenings. We had nice nights here and when I would sit out alone and look at the bright moon I could not help but think of you, the pleasure I would have in sitting chatting with you. You thought I had forgotten you. Do not let such thoughts enter your mind for you are constantly on my mind and you want me to keep out of danger as much as I can, which I will do as much as possible and do my duty when I think I will do but I will not risk my life foolishly. I have made some nice rings for you and the little girls which I am going to send home as soon as I can get a box to put them in.
With that I will come to a close in hopes of hearing from you soon again. No more this time, from your true and affectionate Husband
George Kryder
Direct as before Franklin, Tenn. in care of Lieut Brewster
To Elisabeth, Lillie and Mary Kryder, My Love to all
