Transcription

                              Camp Near Deep Bottom James River Va.

                               July 31st 1864

                    It is seldom that the monotony of a day in

Camp is so much relieved as this has been by the reception of one of

Miss Bettie's characteristic notes – delivered by my friend T. –

Indeed could you have seen the real pleasure I felt – and

manifested in my countenance as its contents were perused. [&]

heard the whispered complement which my lips involuntarily

uttered.  I am sure my fair friend would feel satisfied

that her cordial little letter was most heartily appreciated.

I wonder if there are any in the world who value as I

do – correspondence – to say it is one of the greatest

delights of my life would not altogether express the interest

I take in it, and in order to enjoy the pleasure it affords

I am willing to make any sacrifice of time or convenience

it may require. – of course this pleasure only exists where

all of its elements are perfectly congenial.

The unusual deprivations I have experienced in this regard

since the opening of the present campaign, and the

attending difficulties, annoyances etc. have rendered

me more Keenly appreciative than ever and I hail

a letter always with perfect delight. – You may

imagine the degree I felt on the reception of yours.

You. I have always appreciated.  Yes! long before I

was even well known to you much less appreciated

(as I trust I am ) for in truth I once almost de-

spaired of ever making Miss Bettie feel that I was

worthy of her friendship. – You must know that

I consider myself an admirable judge of character

or human nature and although young I have

learned by experience – observation etc. to form genuinely

the most correct opinions of those who interest me

[Marginalia – top of page]

[continuation from Pg2 marginalia]

I have not forgotten the glowing descriptions I had of this

fair creature & have long since concluded that Miss C. must be

one of the perfect specimens of your perfect sex.

Miss Bettie – pardon me for this – perhaps unpardonable intrusion on

your time & patience – but it is a fault I can not correct - in being

an indefatigable writer (of Nonsense.) with kindest regards to all I am

                      Sincerely Your friend Jno S Capers.