Nov. 9, 1861
Camp Nevin, KY

Dear Elinor,
With much joy I try to send a few short lines to you that you may still know that I still remember you with love and affection. I would have wrote sooner to you but I have not been able to do so. My health is very bad and I am afraid will be no better while I stay in the Army. I can inform you there is a smart chance of sickness among the soldiers. Dear girl, you cannot imagine how I want to see you. I almost believe it would cure me to have the pleasure of your sweet company for awhile. I often think of you. While I am laying in my lonely tent, my mind wanders back to my native hills and there in my imagination I see thy own sweet self. And then I think on the happy moments of pleasure we have had together. Oh Elinor, those were the happiest moments of my life. But I hope that I may be spared to get back to live those happy hours over again. It is always a source of great pleasure to me to hear from you and I want you to write as soon as you get this. I expect if I don't get well they will send me home before a great while. But if I can get well, I would like to stay with the other boys.

I see thee in my dreams
I feel the spell that bound my soul to thine
I hear the bird like voice I love so well
And wake with rapture at the sound.

I see thee in my dreams
I see thee yet.
Though many hours have passed
Their silent way since we met.

Though joy is changed to hope
And grief to tears
I see thee in my dreams
I see thee yet.

But when from slumber I awake
No more thy loved form I see
But I'll dream on
Though my heart strings break.

In death's long sleep
I'll fondly dream of thee,
I am yours forever.

John W. Briner