Mary,
I am writing this letter in a place I barely thought to ever visit. I sit in a camp of the red skinned savages and feel somehow humbled. They show a directness of purpose and fortitude that I wish our own confederacy had emulated. still I get ahead of myself.
I regret to say that my skills were not equal to the task god placed me on this earth to perform. The horrors we encountered in this forsaken place would chill a mans soul. Arachnids the size of buffalo that hunt men and beast alike, and are all but impervious to our weapons. I survive, only because of taking risks and the fell skills of my comrades in arms. I confess my attitude to the ungodly powers is softening. So far all concerned have only used this sorcery for good ends. And my faith that I once though lost in the battlefields of the south is once again awakened. Only god himself could have performed the miracles I witnessed, but I cant help thinking that such unnatural power can also come from the other place. Certainly the unnatural creatures we encounter can only be a product of corruption. it seems somehow fitting that this curse afflicts the Yankees.
Still I owe the preacher my life and livelihood due to his healing ability.
we arrive at the camp of the Apache Savages, our guide speaks the language, and with some measure of surprise I note that they have about them more common courtesy than some of my comrades. They recognize the charlatan John for what he is. A deceiver and a practitioner of dark arts. They also show remarkable insight. even to the extent of being able to identify our protagonist, the man who stole the artifact that will end this living nightmare. The magic scrying pool used to do so appeared I found too distasteful watch but the results are impressive. I have promised to return their artifact. We must venture south to another town and begin our pursuit. My time with the Apache has convinced me that the are honorable in their way.they respect the balance of things, and seek to harm only those who would harm them. Laudable intentions. Having seen some of their skills, I note that their tactics and bushwacking skills are very impressive, they accomplish by stealth and speed what they can and do not over commit. I am reminded of the similar tactics used by Quantrell and his band of brigands. Could it be possible he was right? Fortunately for my comrades the savages allow them use of two of their ponies so we can make good time in pursuit of our quarry.
Arriving at the town, this frontier settlement barely has a tailor worth noting but we find evidence of the man we seek. The Apache shaman was accurate. The trail grows colder as we restock, and acquire confirmation of the destination of our quarry. with luck and hard riding I should be able to finish with this business and see you soon.
GWL.
