I have waited thus long before addressing you in order to find out with certainly whether it might be possible to communicate with you son & also others in the same position.
Our Colonel has had an interview with General Scott on the subject & finds that it will be impossible although we all grieve that we must be thus cut off from those who have our sincerest sympathy.
I also return all the letters I have received directed to him as they are now subject to the vicissitudes of war while in my possession.
On behalf of my company I sincerely thank you for your kind & considerate present of a book although through delays common to such packages for us, they have not yet reached here. I doubt not they will, and when they arrive they shall be used as you wish.
Respectfully
Yours
John H. Pell
Capt Co I.
Ist Minn.
