APRIL 2, 1864:           
Benjamin
Searle of the 123rd New York writes home to his family from Elk
River Bridge, Tennessee:
Dear Brother and
Sister, 
The Peach trees are
all in bloom here and everything is gay. I tell you the sorry South is the
place after all to live in. 
From your ever
effectionate [sic] Brother 
B F Searle.

