John Donaldson Letter To His Girl

Dec. 7th 1863
Stevensburg, Va.

My dearest Ell,
I have received your welcome letter of the 21st yesterday morn. I have not received Mothers or Lizzies letters yet.
Ella, I have not obtained my furlough and most likley will not for love or money. This Army is run like a great hive with many combs to pass before getting to the queen.
Remember Pat Dempsey. Old Cap say'd that he skeedaddled last week. He rose up and walked away. I am sure that he is just run out of Who hit John, and that he can be found securely tied to an innkeepers keg.
Oh, Ell I must see to you soon if we are to be married. soon a new year will be upon us and there is no end in sight to this terrible war. I am sure that I will hear from the department about my complaint in the next inst. until then I remain
your obt. &&

J. D.
NB- Please have mother send her letter to the Captain in haste.