Letter from David Dunn to his wife, Allen Parish Louisiana
Submitted by Michelle Johnson
Date: January 1, 2007


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Copy of letter written July 29, 1861 by David Dunn.
Original now (1966) in possession of Ida Belle Odom
Lewis of Oakdale, La.

Headquarters, Camp Moore, La.
Monday Evening, July 29th, 1861

My Dear Wife,
I will now say to you that we have just mustered into the Confederate State 
Service for twelve months. I am happy to say to you that we will soon be 
ready to take up arms in defense of our lovely country. Dear Wife I feel
happy to say that we are well and seem to enjoy ourselves, I think we will
all do well. We are pleased with our officers _____ we are sorry to say that
some of our boys have backed out. I think that they have done wrong, I would
have died before I would have backed out. You may think that I do not feel
near to you, but my whole life depends upon you and self in defense of my
country. If God spares me I will return to you, that is if life lasts. You 
must not take any exceptions to any thing that is written, because it is on
my satchel upon my lap. If I never see you on earth, may we meet where there
is a better and brighter world above, where we will never part and song shall
never cease to be sung, and more where parting will never by any more. Our
boys that have backed out, have never seen elephant, too many men here and 
too many drims beating, I see twelve Companies drilling every evening and
morning. And I hope that it won't be long before we will be drilling. I see
lots of companies that have got the word of command perfect.

I have nothing of interest to write to you now than I have my profile drawn
and will send it to you. I must now close by saying to you that you must
kiss all the children for me, and Dear Wife, you must not take anything
hard, as all will be bright.

I close by saying to you all is well and right with me at this time. 
I close; Good bye.

Yours truly, 
David Dunn