J.W. Henderson to Sarah A.M. Henderson (23 August 1862)

              Camp in the Mountains 6 Miles beyond Chattanooga Saturday evening August the 23rd 1862
Dearest Sallie, I am glad to tell you that I reed' our dearest Ma's letter of the 10th, just on last Wednesday morning 20th, at Chattanooga as we were on our march over here about 12 miles from our other camp at Lookout Mountain. I was really glad to learn that the greater part of your confinement was over and that you were doing so well. I do hope that by this time you are up again and able to attend to your domestic affairs as usual. I must acknowledge that I was a little disappointed to hear that it was a girl instead of a boy, but as I have said before, this seems to be a world of disappointment anyway, so it is, and doesn't matter much. It is enough for me to know it is a fine hearty child and that you and it were both getting along well. Ma wrote that I must send my favorite name for the dear little thing, but I don't know that I would select any perfect name than that which Nancie Jane has given it unless our Ma should claim part of the name. I am perfectly willing that she should have it if she wishes it. I think Susan Alice would be a very pretty name or I think Harriet Alice would be a very pretty name. Partly for my once dearest Hattie, yet I think Alice Gertrude equally as suitable. You, Ma, and Jane can suit yourselves and I will be satisfied.