1st Division 6th Corps
March 8th 1865
Dear Parents
Your very kind and welcome letter of the 1st is received and read with pleasure. Glad to hear that you are generally well with the exception of colds, hope you will be well of them soon. Yours found me well.
You say you wish you could have been one of the favored ones to have received a visit from me when I was on furlough. I wish so to, but it was not possible. However the time is not far distant when it will be possible for me to visit you, that is if any life is spared. Five months from tomorrow my time will be out. You ask me to set some time that I will come out there. I don't think it would be proper for me to do that, for you know life is uncertain and circumstances (even if life is spared) might not permit me to come at any appointed time, although I intend to come as soon as I can after my time is out. You ask shat I mean by saying my time may be out in a few days, I mean that, or at least I don't think the war is going to last much longer, there is a battle expected here every day, if the enemy attack us (which is anticipated) it is my candid opinion that it will be the last battle of the war. If they attack us on our present position Grant will tear them all to pieces. We are having very bad weather here now so I don't think there will be any fighting at present. The Rebel Army is badly demoralized, they are deserting to our lines in great numbers. You seem to think I will like the country when I get out there. I hope I may, but I cannot say yet whither I shall settle there or not. I expect it is a great country to make money in. That is what I shall look after when I get out of this scrape. What wages do you think I can get Rail Roading out there. I can get seventy-five (75) and ?? here. You ask about my brotherinlaw that was in the service. He is at home now to work on his trade. His time was out last fall. What is the reason Frank don't write me oftener. He has not written me since the 2nd of January. I suppose though he knows his own business best. Does Martha Jane hear from her husband often. I wish he would come and see me. It is hard for me to get away or I would try and go to see him. Saw a letter from Uncle Am the other day, friends all well in Parishville
Well business calls my attention now so must close. Love to all. Write soon.
As ever your son with love
Luman E Baldwin
Envelope addressed
Mrs C. H. Baldwin
Marrietta
Marshall Co.,
Iowa