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I know it, and so go about companioned with all manner of warm and human delights. When we get into camp, if we ever do get there, I am going to tax your kindness and that of your sister with many Commissions; and I should like you to send me / if you have no objections against doing so / your city address, that if in the further developments of the war my life should have to be given for the cause, I may cause to be sent to you the sword which I have worn in these battles, for a keepsake and a memorial of my regard. I should be very sorry indeed not to possess sufficient fortitude and [illegible] to endure without complaint the little personal afflictions consequent on active service. Where so many of the noblest and best have laid down their lives, or have been hacked or blown into dismal shapes of mutilated strength and manhood, I ought indeed to be grateful that, as yet, no greater sacrifice has been asked of me than the loss of a little health. An I am thankful. God knows that often enough in days past and gone the passionate heart in my breast has whirled me upon folly and wrong - and yet I cautiously say that I love this cause with a devotion so closely allied to what men call fanaticism - being possessed by it and with it till like Moses cod it swallows and absorbs all other lesser things as to count my health & sickness, my life & death, my be all and end all of power & faculty honored beyond measure in its service. God bless you. Good-bye, Richard Realf