Sunday, December 14th 1862 Dear Thomas, We are all well here at the hospital. I am hoping that my letter finds you the same. The other nurses and I have found the hospital quite all right, albeit a bit understaffed and in need of simple supplies. A colleague I met on my travels here has fallen under the weather, I suspect dysentery. A nasty disease, I remember from when my Papa had fallen ill with dysentery a few years prior. I find myself a bit worried for my mother. She was quite vexed when I announced I was volunteering my nursing services to the Union. I am her youngest daughter, you see, and I am sure she did not want to see me depart, and so close YuleTide. I see these wounded men laying in these sick beds, and my heart hurts to think that these men could possibly be you. I pray and pray that you will come out of this war alive and well, so we can be married at last. I long to be at home with you, surrounded by holly and spiced rum, with a fire roaring in the hearth and the smell of a lovely large evergreen. My mother had sent word that your mother is doing quite well. It seems that her pregnancy is progressing very steadily. I am sure your father is hoping for another boy, but if I may say, I am praying that you will have a baby sister, your mother’s first daughter if I am not mistaken. I pray that your mother stays healthy and maintains her strength for her childbed. I am glad that I am here to help nurse these men back to health, but if I may say, it is quite draining. The only thing that keeps me going is the remembrance of your glorious smile and the sound of your laughter. I so long to hear your voice again. For now, I have comfort in knowing that you are fighting for a noble cause and that there is a little hope that we may see each other again. Hopefully soon. Please stay well for me, and write back soon. With so much love, Florence Mae.