Louisiana Infantry
Army of Northern Virginia
near Richmond, Virginia
3rd May 1862
Dearest Emmeline,
Thank you for yours of the twenty first inst.
It is perfectly all right for you to reveal portions of my letter to Cordelia and your cousin. I know you are discreet beyond virtue.
We had our first engagement and Captain Joyce said I have an unerring eye for Yankees. Indeed we sent them skedaddling northwards.
This war will be a short season and we shall soon return victorious to New Orleans. Will you come there? No matter what size the gathering you will stand out – like the morning star over the Mississippi. Hurry the day when I will see your dancing eyes and hear the sweet notes of your voice. My respects to Cordelia and your mother. War changes all things when even ladies are forced to be the steering hand.
Captain Joyce and Mr Moran, as ever, convey cordial wishes to all the ladies.
Please write again soon and tell me of your father and dear brothers.
Your ever affectionate,
Patrick O’Malley
Later, after he had sealed the letter, Patrick withdrew the book from his knapsack, leafed through it. Love Elegies and Holy Sonnets. His mind ever occupied by thoughts of Emmeline, he was drawn to the former. A page oft-opened it seemed, presented itself.
Twice or thrice had I lov’d thee,
Before I knew thy face or name;
It was the feeling Emmeline had stirred in him. He read the full poem. Then re-read it again, whispering the words. Sending them South to the vast wetlands and the magnolia blossoms of Louisiana.
Then he wrote it out word for word in a new letter to Emmeline. But he would save this one, send it after the first letter. Surprise her with the poem.