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armies stand now opposing each other in Virginia & near Chattanooga I have great confidence in Genl Grant but still I cannot help but feel anxious, for the rebels have massed tremendous armies to oppose him on his way to Richmond, as well as to oppose the advance from Chattanooga. At these two points the armies of the North & South are being massed for a desperate struggle & I am expecting daily to hear of such battles as this ever has not yet seen. What a terrible affair in the massacre at Ft. Pillow was. Mr. Leamings brother is the only officer that can survive. He was shot down after the surrender as the others were but it is thought he will recover. After he had surrendered a rebel took deliberate aim at him & shot him