March 14. Monday.

The party leaving yesterday have not yet come back. The same way [']round, only I had your darling letters to read in the intervals. 9p.m. Jackson got back about four o'clock + reported that he had discovered no traces of the deserters, but had received a note from Allen to say that he was on their track. Allen came in about 6 bringing the 3 crestfallen men along. He had caught up with them about 24 miles up the river. One of them who had no pass showed fright, but was persuaded to come along quietly[,] the other two had passes granting[?] them leave to be absent for 8 days hunting. He had other evidence against themhowever + they were put into the guard room. The day was pretty cold + there is no doubt but what their apprehension + recapture was the very best thing that could have happened to them. Yours of the 25th Jan. is in front of me. I do not think that I would cry if the Force was disbanded at once, but I do not think it will be. It is indeed a very nice thing for Bob Gill[?] and I wish him well. If Jack wants to get rid of his indigestion the best thing he can do is to come out here and pay me a visit. Dear Lizzie, what horrible dreams you have[.] I do not know which part of your dream is the more hateful. In the first I could still look after you, be with you always, know all your thoughts, but in the second I shoul dhave to brave your scorn[,] your forgiveness[,] your coldness and perhaps your hate. But my own darling[,] you are deserting your old habit. Don't you know, have you not often told me, that dreams go by contraries? Poor dear Lizzie. I will take good of myself[?].

I have not read 'Bleak Houses", nor 'Lucia di Lammer-moor' [Lucia di Lammermoor](which I think is the name of the Opera) but anything in the shape of reading [?] will be most acceptable, and neither Dickens nor Scott can be read too frequently[?]. You silly creature to [?] so about my watch. Lizzie child, [d]on't you know how much, how entirely, I trust you? If anything ever should cast a shadow over our bright love, Darling, I shall point[?] the shadow to you and together we can drive it away, long before it gathers any substance. But I think we can prevent even the shadow, can we not? How did Mannie provoke you? By throwing his gloves at you, by asking about the leters in the mail? Poor girl. The time is not so very far distant but what I will be at hand to soothe + comfort you as much as I can dearest. Yes indeed, I do know a great deal better. So [?] people talk. I know you and I do not care for the, and would not give a snap of my finger for them and all their talk together. But, for present good night.