“Our Battery was in the centre the very hottest of the fight – we lost nearly half of our men and came out of the battle commanded by a sargeant [sic]. I never dreamed that men would fight with such desperation. I never expected to come out alive but was fortunate….I never realized before what a battle was, the roar of musketry and thunder of artillery was deafening, it was full as dark ten minutes after the battle commenced as when it ceased. The only way we could tell when night came was by the stars.”

“I had read of the fighting about Nashville and supposed you would be in it all….It was a great relief to get a letter in your own hand writing….

Now I must tell you of something else. We have a little girl baby, a precious tiny thing that we of course think a great deal of. We have named her Clara Emma….

There has been a good deal of excitement and anxiety the last few weeks lest the peace of Canada should be seriously disturbed; and warlike preparations have been going on which we sincerely hope may be the means of preventing instead of causing trouble. 30 Companies of Volunteers have been called into service. Newton Goble and our Newton have both gone.”

“Our duty is not hard and although some grumble a great deal I think we have good times. The only trouble is the inhabitants cannot speak English and we cannot speak French so when we want anything we are obliged to make signs or if this won’t do get an interpreter or do without the article.”

“The funereal day in Washington was observed throughout Canada. Business was suspended from 12 till 2 and funeral services in all the towns and cities….I hope the strong sympathy expressed by Canada in this their time of grief may be a means of binding the two nations together in a common brotherhood.”

“Have you heard any thing about the “Finegans” lately? The people here are all or at least some of them ready to leave town….Rumours of every kind were rife in the town and a great many changed their silver at the brokers for bills in order to facilitate a precipitate retreat – before the advance of our imaginary foe….All this I believe to be humbug. However time will tell.”