John McCalla Letter from November 25, 1812

              Camp No. 3 Miami  Nov. 25th 1812

Dear Captain,

       Since I arrived at this place, (Ft. Winchester) we have suffered so long a delay, that my thread of narration has been broken for want of incidents worthy of record.  Nothing but woeful news of want of provisions, accompanied, or interspersed with love letters, etc., etc., have occupied my colums for 2 months.  I have therefore for sometime past failed to number my Bulletins, when we march from this place, it will be to speedy victory, or Death.  We will not March until our preparations shall be such as will justify us in the belief that nothing but defeat shall again impede out progress to Detroit.  When we commence this March, my Bulletins shall again be numbered.  I expect I have letters on the road for you, as well as you on the road for me.
    I have received your letter which was sent by Mr. Wilkins.  I have not had the pleasure of seeing him, as he went on to the right rising.  But My Dear fellow, I saw something which effectually called the blush into my cheek and gave an impetuous circulation to my blood.  I shaved a short time after, and was astonished at the colour and heat which was manifest in my cheeks.  I saw that my letter to A__E had been received without any expression of contempt or anger by her Father.  And no final portion of my pleasure arose from the approbation you gave my conduct.   Could I now receive the document from her which is to convince at the first view, I might perhaps be quiet.  I expect, most fearfully, that it will prove my quiet (sp) indeed.  Not that my letter contained any thing particular.  For I do assure you, I was so fearful of alarming her modesty, that I avoided nothing so much as an expression of particular partiality.   I debated in myself for a long time, in what way I should commence.  I determine to commence without any direction.  But at last I whipped down “Dear Annie.”  I made many apologies for my presumption, audacity, and impudence in