This is from the Atlanta History Center. Captain Evan Park Howell of Howells Battery Georgia Artillery near Atlanta

Atlanta, Georgia
August 4th 1864

My Dear Wife.
This is a rainy disagreeable morning and I will try to make it an agreeable one by writing to you. We have not moved from our position on the West of Atlanta yet. We had pretty heavy fighting n our right and on our left yesterday but they did not shoot at us. The day before they fired a few over our battery. The enemy are evidentially trying to turn our left and strike the Macon road below or about West Point. No other news about here. The news of the capture of the raiders under Gen'1 Stoneman at or near Macon and those under Col. Brownlow at Newnan with all their artillery is very fine. It cheered our army very much. And then the news from Virginia is also good. The Lord seems to smile on all the efforts of that army. I pray that he may watch the struggle at all points and give us success all around, that we may have peace and prosperity in the land. I have not heard from you since the 18th of last month, all owing to the mail arrangements. I hope though to get a letter from you before long.
My health is now better than it has been since I was taken sick twelve months age. And I think now that I will get well entirely and get fat again. Then I want the war to end and our housekeeping to begin, and such a happy time we will have will be too good to tell.
I think I shall be unable to get off in a long time; but after a while if things get quiet about here and we in and about Atlanta I think I will have you and the baby visit me. So that I can see his smart little tricks and be with him. I feel like I was losing some of the happiest part of our married life absent from him now when in this interesting part of his life. But I guess I can appreciate yours and his company more when we get settled down (if I am in health) after going through such an ordeal as I have in the last five years - To think of it we have been married going on four years. Well I'll declare! Don't time fly. Why it seems as if it was only last year that I was courting you, and yet how many scenes have crowded past since then. How very different is the grand panorama of human life looked at through the vista of the past than if it was viewed as it slowly changes its scenes dragged on by the weary present.
From the sublime I'll fall or rise to something. I want you to get a good recipe for making hard soap, nice soap. It is impossible to buy it now. Have some made by the time Jerry comes. Also try to have me two pairs of socks knit, long legs and large enough. I hope the boy keeps well. Kiss the little fellow for me.
Dean is well. Jerry also sends his love. He will still write by this mail. I will enclose it in this letter.
Much love to all.
Write often.
Your affectionate husband
E. P. Howell