Villanow, Georgia  May 12 1864
 

My Dear Pet
 

I have not as yet received a letter from home since leaving. I have written several and in my last, wished you to direct to Chattanooga.  If so directed they will come without delay. We have made a long march from Columbia Tenn. by way of Cowan, Stevenson, Bridgeport, Trenton Georgia, and Lafayette, over the Cumberland, Sand, and Lookout Mountains, to this place. We have had no fighting as yet. Our army is skirmishing every day for positions, and I expect that a grand battle will soon be fought.  We heard to day that Gen. Grant had got to within one mile of Richmond and had taken 25,000 prisoners. I hope it is true.  My health is better than it has been for two years.  I am very anxious to hear how they are getting along with the fence, and filling up the lot, and wish very much to hear from you generally.  Now do write often as it can be but little trouble to write a short letter at any time.  I determined this summer to write you very often, but not getting any answers, I’m getting discouraged a little in my good resolve, perhaps it is the fault of the mails — but do write.  Horace is well, and wishes to be remembered to all,

I am as ever

your true Husba your true husband

J.T. Wilder

P.S. I sent a box of trophies from Farmington battlefield to Mr. Forsyth, and also some maps, and three Cactus plants taken up by myself at the very spot where Col. Monroe fell, I directed him to keep them until my return, when I would divide them with him.

J.T.W.