Bishop informs Sarah that they have the money to have her front teeth made by a dentist (Mr. W. Ryder) and inquires of her house hunting. He asks her to have her teeth replaced for his sake and regrets not having the money to provide her with finer things.
Lafourche Crossing La.
April 3rd 1863
My dear Wife
This is a beautiful morning and I will improve it by writing to you.
I have been thinking lately every time that I wrote that I would say it to you if you think our finances will allow it that you have your front teeth made now by the dentist. you know that when we have talked about it heretofore that we have felt as if we could not bear the expense. but I have been thinking lately that you had better have them fixed. I suppose of course that you will have to have new ones put in. I will leave it with you to decide in the matter. if you think that it would hurt you too much, do not have it done but if you think that you could stand it without receiving injury by the operation why I should be pleased to see your front teeth good when I come home. I think you had better consult Mr Ryder about it and have ½ of your upper and lower if necessary put in new. you can consult Mr. W. Ryder and see what he thinks of it. if you have it done you must be careful about getting cold in them. I will authorize you to be at as much expense as you think we can afford. I shall think the money is well expended if it adds to your comfort and looks. as far as my individual preference is concerned I wish to have you look as well as you can and I should think that it would be pleasing to you. write me in your next letter what you think of it.
as yet we have experienced no change in location and I do not hear of anything positive. rumours are constantly floating. troops are passing up to reinforce Gen Weitzel and I hope to hear soon that he has whipped out the Rebs on the Tash. [Bayou Teche]
do not forget to write to me how the election goes in connecticut and how they get along with the conscription law. things pass along here pretty smooth and we do not have much trouble. we donot apprehend an attack as long as there are as many forces as there are at present around here. our Regiment has been broken up since we have been guarding this R. Road consequently the Band has been separated but I do not much care as I do not have so much to do. there are plenty of mocking Birds here to sing.
how is it about the place where we are to live this year do you succeed in getting a house yet? I hope you have by this time. you have had quite a job at House hunting. write me when you find a House and where it is so that I shall know where to find you when I come home my darling
I Love you this morning the same that I did yesterday and hope to always. you must get your teeth fixed my darling for my sake. I wish that I knew how to make money a little better than I do so that I could dress you nicely always and so that you would not have to do all the dirty work, but I do not expect to improve in ability in this respect. I have got to be of an age where it is hard to learn new tricks. I take much pleasure in thinking of you and in thinking of your obliging disposition it is true that we have not always agreed but then I do not blame you for it. I guess you are as near perfection as I am myself and I hope you will try to excuse my imperfections as I shall yours. my darling I will love you whether you are perfect or not and you must do the same by me. Kiss the dear children for me and believe that my happiness is in loving you my dear Wife.
Affectionately
J.D. Bishop
