Mills Springs, Ky.
Jan. 18, 1862


Dear Mrs. Manurva Aston:

It is with great pleasure that I can inform you that I and Bob
[Morton] are in good health yet and trust God at the reception of these
lines you and family will be in good health. Bob received a letter last
night that bore the date of the 3rd of this instant from Hugh that stated
that you were all well, which gave me much satisfaction. It was the first
letter we had received in six weeks from any of you.

Hugh wrote to Bob that he was coming to the war. I want you to tell
him that I want him to stay right there with you until I come home as he
promised to do and then if we can make any other arrangements he can come
then. I am going to come home some time in next month if I can possibly get
off and I sort o' think I can. We can't start here and go home any time we
want to go. Manurva, you may be sure that I would be glad to come home to
see you and the children, altho' I have stood it first rate, so far. If the
boats would start to running up here regular I think there would be a
chance to get to go home at most any time.

I have no more news to write to you that would interest you at all.
I suppose you have heard that we have had a big fight at Montasilo. That is
all a mistake. We have not had a one yet and I don't think we will have one
this winter unless it is by the Pickets.

There is a right smart of sickness here amongst the boys. Tell
Thomas Berryhill that Bob has the fever, but I don't think very dangerous.
Also Parker Spann has it, Sam Harris and John Gann, tho' the most of them
are on the mend. There are some others complaining but not down. Of our
neighbors boys tell their parents that I will do all I can for the boys. I
don't think any of them are dangerous.

Give my respects to all of the friends and reserve a good portion
for yourself.

Write soon to me. I must close for breakfast is ready, so farewell,
my dear, for this time.

A. M. Aston