July 21st
You see by the date of this, that I did as you did, in your last, took two days to finish. You seem my darling wife to be hungry every time you write. Is provision really so scarce or do you write me just to let me know that your health and appetite are improving. I hope it is the latter. At least that is the construction I have put upon it. For I can hardly think there can be a famine rite in the center of the greatest wheat growing country in the state. You must tell Eula not to look for the buggy until I go to Savannah. You know darling it is impossible for me away down here in the wilderness to get a buggy or anything else. I hardly think there is such a thing in Savannah, as it goes under the head of 'Yankee notions' which have become very scarce all over the South, but if there be such a thing there,
I will get it when I go on. Darling, I am very much provoked at Eula for showing you the letter I wrote her. But of course I made a mistake when I told her not to "let you fall in love with those Marietta chaps.' I intended to tell you not to let any of them steal her away from us. For what would we do without our darling little Eula. So please dear wife don't forget to take good care of my only earthly treasures (my wife and my baby). Oh! who can tell how very dear they are to me? I know darling she is one of the smartest little babies in the world; if she weren't I don't think I would love her as much as I do. I received your darling letter and have just finished reading it over; it was dated the 10th. I am very glad to hear that you and Eula are improving so rapidly. I think that accounts for your great appetite. Oh! how I do hope you will continue to improve until your health is entirely regained, for gracious knows I don't want to have the trouble of getting another wife, and then I know I have got the best woman in the world for my wife, and why should I seek to change her off? No darling it is my fondest hope that you may live to see one hundred, and that I may be spared to love and cherish you even more than I do now. Our love you know has been growing stronger and stronger all the while since we were married. I did not think I was capable of loving anyone as much as I do you. For sometimes I think I commit a sin in loving you too much. Henry joins me in love to all. You must write very often to me, and please darling answer this soon. Kiss my darling little pet Eula for papa.
Your Nate.
I am more than obliged to you darling for the shirts.