Calvin Shedd letter to wife, S. Augusta Shedd, February 21, 1863

              St. Augustine Feb 21st 63 

Dear Wife 

I have this day recd yours of the 5th & Ada,s of the 2d per Lt. Burnside. it gives me much pain to hear that you are sick. I dont know what to say to give you consolation, keep good courage & I trust ere this reaches you, that you will be better It seems a little singular what you think is the matter should occur at your age, but I dont know much about it; my first Wife was as much as 90 before she found "thats whats the matter"

Beauregard has turned over Cate & his party to the tender mercies of the Gov of Fla to be tried as Insurrectiontists, with the view of hanging them; Gen Hunter has got three citizens of this place, & plenty of Soldiers as Hostages; & sent word to Beauregard that he would hang two for one, it dont seem as if the rebels will proceed to the extremity of hanging prisoners I presume Prescott would swear against Cate if he is in the vicinity, as Cate pulled him up on stealing the Whiskey, if they hang them I should like the priveledge of ranging over this state with full powers I would give every man I met the choice of the Oath of allegience or Death, & three minutes to decide.

I dont know what to say about Heath & the House but it is my impression that it is best to let the thing soak & see what it looks like in the spring, I think it will be quite