Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864 to his sister

Writes that their brother Marshall has returned from the hospital. As Ward had no immediate occupation to assign to his brother, he sent his brother back to the hospital and put him in the charge of one of the surgeons. He writes that Marshall is better off working in the hospital as he is paid $25 per month, which takes care of clothing and other necessities. Comments on the heavy trading of tobacco with Union soldiers. Some of the Confederate soldiers were found trading with the Union soldiers and have been punished. Ward describes the "ominous stillness" of the two armies; the calm before the storm of the upcoming battle in Atlanta. He writes, "nations may stand aghast at the tremendous shock of arms that will shake the political foundations not only of America but of two hemispheres." Complains about their diet, particularly the amount of cornbread they are fed. He jokes that the Confederacy should be renamed the "Cornfederacy" or the "Flourfederacy" for the amount of biscuits they eat. Informs his sisters that he has a rich sweetheart in Madison, Georgia whom he intends to court and marry. Advises both his sisters to love and cherish their parents, should he not survive the upcoming battle.