ManningElbridge18640821_004

gave me. I see plenty of chances
to make money if I leave the Army
now. I could make a fortune
in one year as a [Butler?] but I
never will lay down my Sabre and
become a citizen until this war
is ended one way or the other.

I mean to show these Western
men what a Massachusetts Bay
man can do. One thing I am
sure of , and that is this. that I
know more military than two third
of the officers here put together.
I keep on studying and intend to
know my business if nothing else.

Do you know if David Presson
is in Saint Louis now? I never knew
whether he ever left here or not. if he
is here or any one else you know
please send me their address-- and
I shall be happy to call on them.

You said in your last letter that
Annie Prince had been at our house