But Dick, a mail from the west has arrived and here is a letter for you." He handed the lad a large square envelope, addressed in tall, slanting script, and Dick knew at once that it was from his mother.

He seized it eagerly, and Colonel Winchester, suppressing the wish to know what was inside, turned away.
* * * * I have not heard from my dearest boy since the terrible battles in the east [Mrs.Mason wrote], but I hope and pray that you have come safely through them.

You have escaped so many dangers that I feel you must escape all the rest.

The news reaches us that the fighting in Virginia has been of the most dreadful character, but when it arrives in Pendleton it has two meanings.

Those of our little town who are for the Confederacy say General Grant's losses have been so enormous that he can go no farther, and that the last and greatest effort of the North has failed.
Those who sympathize with the Union say General Lee has been reduced so greatly that he must be crushed soon and with him the Confederacy.
As you know, I wish the latter to be true, but I suspect that the truth is somewhere between the two statements.
But the truth either way brings me great grief.