This is a letter written by Elizabeth Kuffel to Thompson Dixon Doke sometime during the Civil War.  After the war they were married, lived in Bloomfield, Iowa and had four children.

My own dear Thomp,

This evening disabled curtain of darkness has thrown her mantel over this beautiful earth the Boers and I and silently but sweetly tracing a few lines for your perusal.  The last paint glimmerings of this setting sun has faded away into the darkness and gave way to silent night to assume her monthly sway.  Yes to this evening and the busy of the great world is still in silence in repose, while the stars are dimly shedding their rates over us.

Such is the time, dear Tom, what I love to write when all major is nature in the stillness of the nights, when not a sound is to be heard except that dull tick of the clock.

Only wish I could be with you this evening rather than conversing with you one paper, but having a few leisure moments, I deem it a great pleasure to write you a letter.  But I hope that the time is not for distant when we will be united to spend our future life in the feelings of each other’s love in confidence for I think I have chosen one who will strive by every word and action to make my life a happy one.  One whom I think is worthy of the noblest heart, you have asked me if I believe you’re sincerity, but Thomp,  do not or cannot doubt that what you mean every word that you have said.  I cannot doubt it being the true state estimates of your heart.  Oh, what to wait Disney to know that I am not as a blank on your heart.  I can say an answer that my love you grow stronger and stronger as time whites swiftly away and centered all my hopes of future felicity.  And I shall strive by every word and act to make your life happy and I do not think that we will ever have any remorse for reflections, hørte what the day that we call each other by the enduring name of husband and wife.  Do you think we will Thomp.

I believe that true love right knee understood can never fade and can never give up its treasure.  This you are to me, and if my heart is sealed no one else to receive, should I give you my heart that leads us much or else ever did can never die, can never be erased for memory.  What makes me so free and a bulging my love for you.  I think, or at least I hope I am loved and returned by one that I think is in every way worthy of my best affections and I know that she will prove true to the one that you have voiced yourself heart and he and two, oh, may I were be a long, true and happy life to live in our affections for each other.  Yet even all of these will not suffice to compare with our happiness together.  We can visit our young friends and have them visit us.  Yet our own true happiness will be found at the home circle at the heart stone of a role in sweet home.  It will be ours to enjoy a greater a more lasting enjoyment than the day as to the homes.  Pardon me if I had taken too much liberty in addressing you this evening.  If you deem this letter worthy of a reply.  Please answer.  Hoping to see you soon.  With these few greetings wishing you a fond good night.

Your truest friend on earth, Tillie Kuffle   sealed with a kiss