Louisiana Infantry
Army of Northern Virginia
Near Richmond, Virginia
12th July 1862
My dearest Emmy,
I am sorry that, at this time of grieving, my news of Mr Moran so disturbed you and caused an upset to your mother and Cordelia.
I did not know of the Lake Pontchartrain tragedy. At Mr Moran’s last request I had written to Miss Toucoutou. Despite what the papers report Mr Moran was a brave soldier. He led his colour group valiantly into many a hazardous breach with no thought to his own safety. The ultimate sanction was a harsh example to those entertaining similar thoughts. This he faced with undaunted courage, forgiving me my part, by duty, in the final act to his life.
Indeed, dearest Emmy, thoughts of you and when again I might see you sometimes bring me to think of throwing aside my gun. However, I could never put love above duty, only consider it.
It is a consoling thought that your foreign visitors display only civility and solicitude, being in the company of such ladies as are found at Versailles.
As to your solitary glove – there is here another, close to my heart, ever-pining to be reunified with yours.
Yours faithfully,
Patrick O’Malley
P.S. Captain Joyce sends all compliments to your mother as always.