The letter, dated July 5, 1863, was from Dr J M Lyle to his wife, Mrs Laura B Lyle. It refers to one he had just received from her - that took eight days to go from Franklin to Raleigh!

The letter, (reprinted from "The Family of Wiemar Siler, 1755 - 1831," by Leona Bryson Porter) follows:

Yours of the 27th came to hand today and I am indeed gratified that you wrote when you did or I probably should not have gotten your letter. It is agreed that we shall adjourn on Tuesday next at one-half after 12. If so I may be at home at almost as soon as this letter can reach you but I do not think that we can leave quite so soon, so if I should not be at home on Saturday night you need not be uneasy for unless I get away from here at noon Tuesday I could not be home before Monday or Wednesday night. We have yet the Militia bill to act upon and it will cost a great deal of sacrifice of feeling to get any bill at all, the opinions are so different.

We have stirring news here today. The Yankee Calvary took Kennansville last night a little way below Goldsborough, some 70 or 80 miles below here and it is thought they will be here soon. I think they will not venture out so far but Col Mallet I am told is enrolling and organizing all men able to bear arms to defend this place should they come here. You need not be alarmed for they would hardly harm a member of the Legislature

We have a dispatch that Ewell and Longstreet fought the whole of Hooker's army a few days ago, a hard battle is thought to be imminent there. General Taylor in the west is said to have taken 1800 prisoners besides several million dollars worth of spoil. Our victories crowd fast upon each other but still peace does not come. We can but be patient and put our trust in God until we are sufficiently humbled in his sight. Then and not till then will we have peace.

Tell Lilly I would answer her letter but feel so dull that I can hardly keep my eyes open. Kiss the children for me. Take good care of yourself until I come.