Camp 3rd Regt. Fla Vol. [3rd Regiment Florida Volunteers]
Near Chattanooga Tennessee
August 8th 1862

My Darling Wife

I wrote to you about four or five days ago. I would have written to you sooner Darling
but expecting my resignation to be accepted every day, I concluded not to write but to get
my discharge and surprise [sic] you all. I will get my discharge Darling without a doubt
this time. I sent in my resignation a few days ago again Darling with a Certificate of
Disability from the Doctor. It will be excepted [sic] without a doubt. All I have to do is
to have patience and wait a week or two until [sic] I hear from Richmond- and then My
Darling we will meet to part no more on this earth that is for so long a time. I was in
hopes My Darling that I would be relieved from Duty immediately by Genl. Bragg
[General Braxton Bragg]- But find I have to wait until I hear from Richmond. You say
the truth my Darling when you say I resign for your sake. Yes Darling every day makes
me more miserable to be separated [sic] from such a treasure as you are my own Sweet
Wife. We will meet Darling before long and then Oh what a meeting it will be. I
returned] to camp a few days ago and Col. Dilworth [Colonel William S. Dilworth] has
not said any thing to me about going up the Mountains without orders. On my return he
came to see me and enquired particularly about my health and said he regret[ted] I was a
going to leave the Regiment. I told him I did not regret it. My health Darling has not
been good since I have left Mobile I took a severe cold on the Steamer which has
an[n]oyed me much of late I am not confined to my bed Darling but I do not do any duty
and am waiting patiently to hear from Richmond. If our Regiment is ordered away I do
not intend to accompany it- but will remain here until I hear from Richmond- and
Darling if I do not hear soon I entend [intend] to come to you without a discharge and Let
them break me of my commission if they choose. Lt. [Lieutenant] Haddock of my
company is gone to Florida on a furlough. I have sent by him to you Darling sixty
dollars. That is I loan him the above amount and he will leave it with Mr. Jessee
McLaran at Welbom [Wellborn] for you before he leaves Florida-He has thirty days
leave of absence. Oh Darling how anxious I am to see you, you can only imagine by
your feelings. I know treasure you all are anxious to see me. There is no War news
here- troops are arriving and sent forward immediately every day and still our Regiment
remains here. We have a great many sick and several deaths since we have been here.
Kiss your Father, Mother, Ruffee, Freddie and the boys for me. Remember me Dolly to
all enquiring friends. Write to me here my Sweet Wife and let me know what you want
and also if your Mother or Father needs any thing- that I can purchase on the way. Good
bye my Darling for a short time I hope.

Your Affectionate Husband
Jacob E. Mickler


Transcribed by Nicole J. Milano, University of Florida, 2009