Describes meeting family near Lauderdale Springs. Expresses his desire to live there after the war.

Transcription:Camp 1st Mo Battery

1st ” Brigade

Near Lauderdale Springs

April 8 1864

My Dear Mother

I recd your letter of Feby 1st, also one from Father of March 5th, and I assure you I was much pleased to hear from home, and the dear ones from whom I have been separated for so long. Our Brigade is now stationed at L.S — it is impossible to know for how long we will remain, but from present indications, will I think remain at least one month — We were stationed at Mobile from Jany 10th until Feby 5th, while there we had a gay time. we are separated from home but fortunately not from friends. our camp was 3 miles from the Bay and about 5 from Uncle Dicks. I visited him regularly once a week and sometimes more frequently and never failed to meet a cordial reception, indeed: he and his good Wife done every thing in their power, which would conduce to our pleasure. happiness. or comfort (When I speak of our or we, I mean John and myself

I am in constant communication with our relatives in Columbus, hear from them frequently they are all well. I coorispond with two of my young Lady Cousins. I am surprised that we[?] should have lived so long. without knowing we had so many pleasant, and agreeable relatives. but now that I do know it, I intend visiting them frequently, very frequently, and when this “Cruel War is over” I may possibly remove to this spot, of which I am so much enamoured. that is, if I can prevail upon my parents to follow my example. but as both of you are “Loyal Citizens” I am afraid this will be impossible, I often call to memory our Family Circle, as it was two or three ago, and frequently when I am eating my Sunday dinner. I imagine myself at home in the dining room, and sometimes I desire to return, but I am determined to remain in my present position until I can return as and honorable and truehearted man should. I hope you will continue to write me, notwithstanding we are opposed to each other, Politically. Kiss Mollie for me, and tell her she must learn to play on the Piano before I return as all Soldier Boys are particularly fond of music, my best love to Brother. I will write him in a few days, also to Uncle Dn and family I am happy to know that Cousin M — is comfortably fixed. do not forget to remember me to Miss J.S. — L.B. — J and H[?] and all enquiring friends, this is my day to cook and I am now attending to a Pot of Beans and an oven of Bread when I return I will be a valuable assistant in the Kitchen, Is Cousin Bell married if so to whom. if she will allow you kiss her for your broken[?] bronzed Soldier Boy Sam —

Dont fail to send Postage Stamps when next you write; I would like to write you a long letter, but as it contrary to regulations I must desist if you ever have an opportunity. send me some money in Gold not that I actually need it but with $ pst. I would be enabled to return Uncle P all I have borrowed hoping to hear from you immediately I am as ever

Your Devoted and Affection Son

Sam M Kennard

1st Mo Battery

1st Brigade

Frenchs Division[French’s Division]

Polks Corps

Near Lauderdale Miss

April 8th 1864

John [word unclear] is in good health, I have not been excused from duty a single day since I entered the army, or acquired[?] of [word unclear] Give my love to Grand Mother, I am glad to know that Fathers business is prospering. how I long to see him, and hears him call me Sam again all meet again I hope that God in his mercy will spare all of us. and that we may all meet again without the loss of one is my earnest desire