“Media, PA., October 13, 1909

COLONEL CORNELIUS CADEL:

MY DEAR COMRADE:–Your letter of September 15th reached me in due time.  I have just finished a letter to General Dodge, stating that I would be unable to attend the thirty-ninth annual meeting of the Society of the Army of the Tennessee.  My health is not as robust as it was when you and I first met in front of Corinth, Miss., almost a half century ago.  Then we were young, vigorous and strong, ready for any duty to which we might be assigned.  At that time we could, and did, live sumptuously on the army ration of ‘hard tack’ and other ‘luxuries’ of the commissary department, when it was not too far in the rear, as sometimes happened. I would like very much to meet you to have a chat over occurrences which took place in the Southland.

My dear wife, to whom I became engaged, by letter, whilst the army was at Lake Providence, La., passed from the scenes of life on the 9th of March last.  The loss of a good wife is a great loss at any time, but more especially to one who was so far advanced in life as I am.  I am now in my seventy-fifth year–at a time when I need her companionship an loving care far more than any other period.  She was possessed with a lovely disposition–always bright and cheerful, and ever looking on the sunny side of life.

Our children–four in number–are all married and from home.  One of my sons is a physician and is practicing in Philadelphia.  My oldest child–daughter–is living in Cedartown, Ga., which place we passed through on our way to Atlanta.  She has two children, born in the South.  I have been fortunate in having them with me much of this year.

Some months ago I called on our venerable friend, in Marietta, Ga., General Addison Sanders.  I found him in excellent health.  He and his wife gave me a very cordial reception.  I regret to say that the General is very deaf–so much so I had great difficulty in making myself understood.  What induced him to make his home in the South I did not learn, as he was so very deaf.

If you at any time should meet my friend ‘Billy’ Ware, be so good as to tell him I would like to hear from him.  He was a fine fellow, and is yet, if living, which I trust he is.  Do not fail to particularly remember me to Captain Dunlap, of the Signal Corps, who used to entertain us with his beautiful partiotic songs in the evenings after a hard day’s march.

Be good enoug to excuse this long letter, which is not for publication.

Hoping that you may have a good time in Columbus, and a large attendance, I remain,

Your friend,

EDGAR T. MILLER”

Reference Data:

Report of the Proceedings of The Society of the Armyof Tennessee, Vol. 39: Vol. 41, by The Society of the Army of Tennessee, 1913, pages 25-6