Camp near Columbia Tenn.
Jan 18th 1865

Dear beloved Wife

I take my pen in hand to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well, hoping that this may reach you all well and in fine spirits. It is now eleven days since I had a letter from you. I rec'd. one the 7th which I answered right away and have been looking near1y ever since but have looked in vain. Dear wife, please do not forget me. Try and write often if it is but a few lines, it will relieve my anxiety, for I am always anxious to hear from you and our loved little ones.

I suppose you have heard the sad misfortune that Charles Benham's family had in losing three of their oldest children who were all buried in one grave. Charlie takes it awful hard, and I deeply sympathize with him in his bereavement. I got a letter from sister Elisabeth and she said that they were all well except herself had taken a bad cold and it settled on her lungs.

Now while I think of it, you will please send me a little thread, grey and black linen. Do not send much for I have no way of carrying much and it wears out in my pocket. I will try and send you my diary for 1864, which will amuse you some to look at and I wish you to take good care of it. I got me another for 1865 that I keep memorandum of events.

We left camp at Nashville on the 12th and came to this side the city where the late battle was fought and everything is badly torn to pieces. There is hardly a board or a rail to be seen from Nashville to this town and many houses are burned down. So much for rebel invasion. There is much talk in camp about peace but I do not look for it right away.

We have had most beautiful weather now for about a week. Today it put me in mind of spring. I went about in my shirtsleeves, but tonight it is quite cool. We marched about 3 miles today and have a beautiful camp and I was in hopes we would stay here a few days but they say we are going away in the morning, going to East Port on the Tenn. River. It is about 75 miles a from here.

Well, dear wife, as I have not heard from you for some time I have not much to say and will come to a close in hopes of hearing from you soon. No more this time but remain as ever your true and devoted husband

George Kryder

To Elisabeth, Lillie and Mary
My love to all so good night
Please write often and direct via Nashville, Tenn.