Charles Roberts to Maggie Roberts (30 January 1863)

              Camp near Shelbyville Tenn Jany 30th 1863"
My darling wife,
I wrote you day before yesterday by Mr Doyle, but
this morning having received a letter from you through the politeness
of Mr. Cox, I cannot withstand the  desire of answering it and although
I have no news to write, shall endeavor to make out a letter
I am rejoiced and thankful to learn you all continue in good
health – it is indeed a great blessing, more especially in the present
troublesome times, when friends and relatives are so far apart
and no possibility of meeting each other in case of sickness – 
I am sorry the Yankees took off our Cow & calf, not so much for
her value in money, as the inconvenience to you in housekeeping
and then I know my little daughter was so fond of milk, that it
will be a great loss to her – You must tell her that her Pa
will buy her another cow when he gets home – Did Mrs. [Lees]
manage to save any of her cows? – if she did, you may be able 
to obtain some milk from her – 
You don’t say a word as to how you manage without a servant
Let your next letter give me all particulars as to your plans, present
and future – I should like to take a look at home this morning
and see how domestic arrangements progress under the new regime –
I knew you would be very anxious to hear the result of the 
battle of Murfreesboro and wrote immediately after we arrived at
Shelbyville and am indeed sorry my dear wife that you were
kept so long in suspense – I do hope we shall soon have mail
communication with Oxford, for your letters are my only pleasure