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[EXCERPT]
Dear Sister,
Your letter directed to me at Mexico, Mo. came to hand yesterday at this place. A glance at the map will show you where I am. When I came here it was reported that this place was to be attacked by 8,000 secessionists, under Gen. Hardee, within a day or two. Now Hardee’s force seems to have reduced and his distance from here to have increased. Scouting parties however are constantly seen within a few miles of out Pickets. I have here about 3,000 vols., nearly all infantry, but our position being strong and out cause a good one, it would trouble a much larger force of the enemy to dislodge us. You ask my view about the continuance of the war &c. Well I have changed my mind so much that I dont know what to think. That the rebels will be so badly whipped by April next that they cannot make a stand anymore I don’t doubt. But they are so dogged that there is no telling when they may be subdued. Send Union troops among them and respect all their rights, pay for everything you get and they become desperate and reckless because their state sovereignty is invaded. Troops of the opposite side march through and take everything they want, leaving no pay but script, and they become desperate secession partisans because they have nothing more to lose. ..
Your Brother,
Ulys.