"Dearest Martha,
The War continues. Three days ago we were attacked by Rebel forces in the holler near Antioch. Three men was kilt, including my good friend and neighbor, Hollis Murdock. Hollis was shot in the open as we retreated and left to die. He screamed so terribly for so long that our Lieutenant, God rest his soul, went out until cover to try to save him. He was shot by the Rebs as he approached Hollis. Hollis continued to cry for his mother for four more hours, till near morning. We never recovered his body. I swear I can still hear him even now, crying for his mother, though I know him to be dead.
I wish I were with you and young Jack. I cannot abide the smell of blood, as you know, for it awakens terrible things in my soul. Last night, as I walked thro' the camp to the mess, I smelled the blood and fear so strong that I began the Change there and then. I managed to make it to my tent before the beast was upon me fully. From thence I took to the woods, where I spent the night in the boughs of the tree, listening to the bullets on the horizon, the cannon fire booming like thunder. The Beast finally slept in me, but I fear its return.
God willing, I will see you soon, my love.
Your husband, Obediah
Postscript: I had the dream again last night. I dream'd of the shaggy men and the shaggy beast, of the hunts before the dawn of writin' and cipherin'. The great hairy beast thunders closer. I see things in its eyes, terrible things, my sweet Martha. And I cannot stop hearing Hollis Murdock's cryin'. I swear it is like he is here with me."