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Denver, May 4, 1863. 8 1/2 P.M.

My Dear Wife: The letter which I have just taken to the post office was cut short, and so here you shall have the conclusion. I expect it will surprise you to learn that I have nearly six weeks to remain here doing nothing. It made me feel pretty blue. I had before began to get impatient, and had made a partial arrangement to go over with Mr. Bangs, a half brother of Wm H. Russell, on foot, just for the novelty of the thing, but my friends advised me so earnestly to give it up- on account of the hardship, that I did so. Other parties have been at me today to fix a time to go with pack mules, but a letter from Bangs says that even is impracticable, and as the Gov. wants to go when I make my first official visit, we must needs wait for wheeling. Mr. Russell was a great friend of Floyd and Drinkard. Mrs. D. used to speak of him kindly, very. Father will know of him.