Aiken, South Carolina—August 21, 1861

My Own Dearest Sweetest Love--

It seems to me an age since I have written you (and it has only been two weeks), and it seems an age since I have received a letter from my dearest Mary, (and I believe that has only been about two weeks ago).

Since I wrote you last, my general health has been not good—and even now, I can hardly hold up to write. I am bilious—neither more nor less—which I hope to get over in a short time.

I am just out of Camp—near Aiken, by the Coco Spring. I was treated very kindly by all my friends while there—and my Company fared well through their generosity—likewise, I went there, you know my dearest to try and finish out our Company, and we came very near doing so. We go again tomorrow there to stay until we muster into service. I now feel pretty confident about our Company. I think within a week from today, I will be mustered into the Confederate service, and go immediately into Camp and then very dearest love, hope to come and see you and spend a few days of much great pleasure and happiness with you.

Prepare for my coming, and I know you will. I think I see you now my own Mary. Have you gained those few pounds? I beg you to try and gain. Do you take those long walks I begged you to in order to develop your limbs, and give health and vigor to your whole body? I must and willinsist upon your taking a great deal of exercise. Hear, my own precious love; mind, if you disobey, I will be very much put out about it—and will have to punish you with kisses-hugs & c & c. Take care that I have not already a large account against you which you will have to pay off in that way.

Oh, my own dear Mary, how much I want to kiss and embrace you—to hold you in my arms and do all those little things, that use to make me so happy. And I feel doubly happy when I believe and feel it will give you some little pleasure to gratify me—your Edward. You can’t imagine how much I want to see you. Now can you imagine how much pleasure it will give one who believes Mary that there is no one in this wide world, who will make him such a good and devoted wife? If you do not—then I will be sorely disappointed. But of this I have no doubts. I don’t like several passages in your two last letters. When we meet, I intend to blow you up about it. I have much to say to you when we meet upon various subjects, and your property is one of the subjects.

I have a very nice letter from the Company officer—to yourself and the other young ladies. By some mistake, they are under the impression that all the young ladies in the family had a hand in this Flag. I shall put them strait on that point, however. But this letter is already written. The Company is so much pleased with the Flag. I will tell you all when we meet. You can look for me, I think, in about two weeks.

You must excuse this short letter, Mary; I am feeling badly. Ma knows of the Engagement. Tell her howdy for me.

As ever… Your own devoted and attached, Edward