Tyler Texas August 18th 1863
Dear Mary I once more attempt to write to you to let you know how I am getting along in this unfriendly world, I am well at this time except the enlargement of the Spleen, and a Shortness of breath, I am still at the beef camp but I cannot tell how long I will remain here, for it appears that the officers tries to keep the Soldiers in the dark about everything, it Seems to me that our people Does nothing else but lie. We have fortyeight yanks prisiners here the most of them officers, I understand that Some of them Says that they are willing to Stay here until peace is made,
Dear mary I aim to come home about the first of September if I possible can get off if I have to leave here I would like to go in a cavalry company if I could get a good horse, you had better try to buy Tony if you can get him for a fair price I think I will have fifty Dollars to pay towards him when I come home, I think mr hodge ought to let you have him for eighty Dollars for that will be a good price for him allowing for thirtyfive Dollars a peace for the Steers, the government dont pay but thirty, you must keep the leather in tan as long as you have any bar- have -old --tys gang fedd (?can't tell what that part says) some if you can
I want to See you So bad that when I --- women and children passing along the road I can but look for you. Kiss the children for me give my love to all --(?) friends and tell them that I would like to be with them very much, but it Seems that kind fort provides that I shall not, Mary let us try to be honest and truthful in all things and may the god of mercy guide us in all truth is my prayer nothing more at present only I remain your loving husband until death So good by
D. T. Phares
Typed as written
David Thomas Phares Letter 1865
David Thomas Phares Letter 1864
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