Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, August 16, 1863

In this letter from August 16, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife expressing regret that he could not return home for a visit the previous week. He describes the intolerably hot weather in Burlington, Iowa, and compares it to the climate of Vicksburg, Mississippi. He also notes that his enlisted brother, Erastus, is still doing well and hopes "he may escape the many dangers incident to a soldier's life."

Burlington
August 16th 1863.

Dearest Jenny

Sunday morning and I am seated at my desk for a chat with loved ones at home. As I expected the middle of last week I was disappointed in not going home Friday night. I would much rather be with you this day than content myself with the unsatisfactory expedient of a letter. There is no news that I hear that will interest you. Thermometer ranges day after day from 95° to 98° in the shade men that are not obliged to be active lie listlessly in the shade and ladies are not to be seen until evening. This intolerable hot weather is more like the climate of Vixburgh [sic] than Iowa. I hope for our poor soldiers' sake in the south that the season there is not unusually warm. I was glad to hear that Erastus is well and hope he may escape the many dangers incident to a soldier's life.

Has Mrs. Richards made you the promaced [sic] visit? How unfortunate that I could not go home last week. I hope something may have hapened [sic] to prevent the visit until my return I should so much like to see them.

Oh [?] but it is too warm to write or think and you must excuse this brief letter.

Affectionately yours,
Samuel. B. Reed

Aug 16 1863 S B Reed