Transcription

Ki [illegible] and Comanche Expedition. In camp near Fort Bascom, N.M. December 23rd 1864

My Dear Wife, You cannot imagine how astonished I was, by the arrival of the last mail from Fort Union, to receive a telegram from you [illegible] Salt Lake City, Nov. 12, 1864. [crossed out "after"] as I had written to you not to come, by the next mail after I had written to you to come, and I had supposed you had received it. I have been on an Indian campaign since, and I expect to be at Fort Union in two weeks from this date, when if I can, I shall go to meet you, but you must get to Fort Union if possible, and if you get out of money before you get there, keep [illegible] and all bills will be settled. I send to the [illegible] agent at Denver four hundred dollars, which will, I hope, get you through. I had given up you coming, and I dare not let my self think how you must be suffering, and have suffered, but keep up a good heart, my dear wife, and we will meet in a short time, when our [troubles?] will all be forgotten. When you get to Fort Union, you will find good friends. You must excuse this disconnected letter, as I hardly know what I am writing about when I think about you, and how you are situated.

I am ever your affectionate husband Geo. H. Pettis.

To Mrs. Annie M. Pettis Denver City Colorado