Edgefield, Tenn.

Sept. 19, 1864

My Dearest Mother & Eliza

I have not
heard from you or any of my friends
for a long time. It is hard for
letters to go & come, but I will write
again & hope you get this.
I am in the best of health and
in the best of spirits. I am happy
and am doing well. I have met with
many fine people who are my
fast friends. I have a great deal
to do. Within the last two months,
I have travelled much, visiting
a great many missions & preaching
& hearing Confessions. This country
is in an awful state. We had
a battle eight miles from here
a few weeks ago & Confederate
soldiers swarm through the state.
They are going to arm every
body here & put them in the union

army next week. Of course
priests are not exempt. But
a great many Catholic young
men are going south to join the
Rebels. They ask me to go with them.
I may go as chaplain. But I
shall wait to see what will be the
result of the draft here.
They are begging for priests in
the South. Don’t be alarmed
about me. I trust in God.
I write in a hurry. You need not
answer this.-for I shall write to you
a long letter next Sunday.
My love to all my friends.

Yours ever

Abram Ryan