June 14, 1864
Officers Camp, Point Lookout, Md
June 14th / 64
Dear Sarah,
Your very kind letter of the 12th came to hand yesterday. This leaves me well and I sincerely trust these few lines may find you and the dear children in health. I think you seem inclined to praise Lucy the most although I do not think you are partial to either. As I before said I cannot imagine how Lucy looks or could not before the picture came to me as I left her at nine months old and now she two years and ten months. But my little Ida has the same dear sweet face they are both pretty children and no doubt you are proud of them. It is hard to tell when I should see them again if ever and it is left to you dear Sarah to bring them up in a proper manner and if it is not done it will not be the fault of their mother. I trust they will not be hard to manage. Joe ___ must have been asleep when he took your likeness. You say you are quite thin and not as large as when I left home. I should judge from the picture that you were larger by thirty pounds. I was sorry to learn you are not well. I have written to the gentleman whom Mr. Bowers mentioned but have received no answers. I think as you do as regards to the money matter it is not pleasant to be dependent on any one but do not be uneasy I shall be paid. I have the means when exchanged. Dear Sarah, it would indeed be a pleasure to see you and my dear little ones but I do not wish you to attempt to come to this place. If I had the means with me and could be paroled it might be so but as it is I Would not have you come. I think brother is doing well and when I am exchanged I shall look to his comfort who is waiting on Emma, yesterday I wrote to you acknowledging receipt of five -5- dollars sent by Gus. I also wrote to him. Give my love to Aunt Mary and tell her I have written twice since I received her letter does she know about brother. My love to your Ma and all home Joe, Fannie & Ella remember me to all relatives and friends particularly to Mary. Kiss my dear little ones for me and tell them to be good children. Yours affectionately,
Henry A Allen