Johnson's Island, Ohio. Jan. 31st 1865."
My Dear Wife."
The long and painful suspense under which I have suffered for nearly two months past is at length broken. Your precious, affectionate letter of Dec. 17-Jan. 6th is at hand. None but myself can know what sweet relief it brings to my heart to hear from you after so long an interval. Until the receipt of this I have not heard from you since the 6th Nov. You know my Dearest one how near and dear you are to my heart-and, in consequence, how deep is my solicitude for your welfare and happiness. The happiness which I feel on hearing that you are still preserved, in health security and comfort, you can readily imagine. I thank you and love you from the depth of my heart for the many assurances of your priceless love and devotion. Each dear one of them is treasured in my inmost heart. Many a lonely moment do I spend in contemplating the priceless treasure which I have in the love of one of the purest, best and loveliest of earthly companions. I do trust that our long and painful separation is near a happy termination. The prospect for an exchange of prisoners is now regarded as better than ever before since my capture. My heart leaps at the thought of being restored to you and all the dear ones once more. But I must not be too sanguine lest a crashing disappointment awaits me. Be hopeful and trustful my Dear wife. Providence has blessed us in each others love and preserved us thus far the comforting hope of a happy reunion and a life of connubial felicity. Though absent you are ever near my heart and in my prayers. No funds have reached me save the 10 dollars sent by Mrs. Rogers. Love to all. Your Ever Devoted Husband. Richd M. Leavell.
Civil War Archive (University of Mississippi)
