To Mary Milroy From RH Milroy Oct 24 1863

              Washington City D. C. 
 
                       Oct. 24th 1863 
 
 
My Dear Mary 
 
 
                         I rec’d yours of 15th inst. 
but have delayed answering in hopes of being 
able to come home & answer you in person. 
 
 
 
I applied for leave of absence about ten 
days ago, and as there is no earthly use of 
my laying here in idleness & as I have not 
been at home for over two years I thought 
upon representing these facts, they would let 
me go a short time.  I have been to see 
about it several times but have got no 
answer yet, & I know not what the result 
will be, but I will only have to do as I have 
done, wait with what patience I can the 
beck or rise of the military despots here. 
 
 
 
     I am very sick of the struggle against 
injustice, ingratitude and oppression and would 
gladly get clear of it by resignation but my 
friends here will not hear to it & have disuaded 
me from it & have urged me to hold on till