There are words, phrases, and statements in these letters that may be offensive to the reader. At the time the letters were written, certain words and phrases were common and even acceptable. We wish it were otherwise. The words are those of the author, James Love, and the attitudes he expresses are those of the time period. We have retained the original language of the letters because we believe that, in spite of their faults, the letters provide an exceptional first-hand account of the attitudes and actions during this horrific period in our nation’s history. Based on the text of this letter, which focuses entirely on personal matters, it appears that Molly’s mother and brother, William, learned about James and Molly’s secret engagement. Since Molly’s letters did not survive, the exact circumstances are not known. The ramifications of their relationship coming to light will unfold throughout the upcoming letters that James wrote during the summer of 1863. Hd. Qts. 8th Ks....