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They deserve much praise. Any but the finest kind of an army would be perfectly demoralized after so many disasters thank Heaven they have at last had a great victory. Though many of them have lost their lives, they have the soldiers greatest consolation- to die in the hour of victory. And brave heroes! how their hearts will swell with joy when they receive the glorious [tiding?] from the rest. After two years of hard toil & exposure they can die happy if they know that the cause for which they contended is is to be sustained. Let the expiring patriot be told thus the country is saved- that the Union will be restored and his loss will be the happiss moments of his life. All honor to the brave army of the Potomac. They are an honor to any country or any people. My health is quite good & wrote to Annie a day or two since. My regards to all the friends. Your affectionate Brother John