3 March 1862

[Yorktown, Virginia]
2 P. M. Monday [3 March 1862]

I have just received yours of Saturday, my dearest wife, & can do no more just now than to make a bare acknowledgement. I shall write you in a day or two. I wish I could feel the warmth of the beams of peace. Do not delude yourself with such idle dreams. Peace is in the far distant future & what tribulations we shall yet be called upon to suffer, God only knows. You know I am not despondent, but he must be blind who does not see that the past conflicts have been but the prelude to the storm that is yet impending. May God defend us as He will surely do, if we are right, as I firmly believe. Not in pr___ or in chariots, but in Him alone must we put our trust, for His arm alone can save nations as well as individuals.

You had better not come down even Friday. After I get settled somewhere, I will arrange for you to come down & spend that week with Sue when I can meet you there. Till then, be patient & hopeful. Be saving with what little money you have & get John Spotts to carry your certificate to bank & have interest added. I t will take all my pay to 1 March to pay for that pork, my clothes, & some other bills.

Kiss all the dear children for me. With changeless love, as ever, your own, — J. B.

Mrs. John B. Cary
Richmond, Virginia