Sarah, having not heard from Bishop, is still apprehensive. She reports hearing about the battle of Gettysburg.
Danbury July 5th 1863
My Dear Husband
I thought as it was Sabbath Evening and it is my custom to write to you always on that Evening that I would write a few lines to you although I have not had a letter from you since the I 8th of June. There was another mail coming in on saturday the fourth, but I have not received a word from you since the Battle and of course I feel very anxious about you. Mrs Smith had a letter yesterday but he did not mention you at all. and I cannot learn whether you are safe or not. there are very contradictory reports. some say that a number are taken as prisoners and others say that Co. B is all right. for my part I feel very anxious about you and shall, until I hear positively what has become of you. I thought if you were with Company I should certainly have a few lines from you others that have written say that they have orders to march at once and some did not finish their letters for want of time to do it. I may possibly get a letter tomorrow as all the letters do not come the first day but I can hardly restrain my impatient until that time.
I have not felt like doing anything since I heard of the Battle and then not hearing from you of course does not make me feel any better. The news of Mr. Starr's death came yesterday and Mr. Wheeler's and others Captain Moore of the 1th Regiment was killed in one of the engagements last week and one of the Company too. the bells Tolled the whole afternoon it was a sad Fourth to their friends.
the children went up to Fannies in the afternoon and had a fine time. Fannie thinks of going to Ohio in August to make a visit. Nat is still at their home but is going out to the Boggs I believe to board at Mr. Marsh' he does not want to leave Fanny but she says she can not have him there. he stays in his room most of the time and does not seem to be altered in the least. but his health is very good indeed I noticed you told your mother you have not heard from Nat so I thought you would like to hear
well Dearest we are all quite well and getting along nicely and if we were only assured of your safety would be perfectly satisfied. as it is I feel oh so anxious about you I shall have to mail this letter early in the morning before I can ascertain whether one comes for me or not as the Steamers sails on Sunday. how much I hope that you will be allowed to come home very soon. then we shall be all right.
we had a Dispatch yesterday that a heavy Battle was taking place in Penn (Ed. Gettysburg] and the Rebs were retreating from the State- also that Gen Dix is marching on to Richmond- all the armies seem to be in motion at present with what success remains to be seen. Col White is home now, I saw him to night
I have no [not] indulged in any sentiment in this letter for fear of your never getting it. but wait until I hear from you. until then believe me to be your Devoted Wife.
Sarah Bishop
