"Trenches near Cold Harbor, Wednesday, June 8/64. Things are tolerably quiet this morning. There has been very little firing since yesterday evening when the enemy came in with a flag of truce asking for a suspension of operations for a short time in order that they might bury their dead. I do not suppose they would have burried their dead at all had they not interferred with them, but they being entrenched nearer their dead than we were, they consequently suffered more from the stench rising from them than we did. I suppose they postponed burying them as long as possible but the dead became so offensive they could not stand it any longer. The pickets have not fired on each other since the flag of truce came in. The Yankees are in front of us. We can see them very plainly. They are walking about along their lines as if they were our friends. They are very numerous and look like flocks of black birds. They are near enough to shoot, but I believe there is an understanding not to shoot and consequently they feel perfectly at their ease. I do not know how long this state of things will last. I suppose not long as Grant will have to be acting if he intends accomplishing anything this campaign. Our boys were exchanging papers this morning with the Yankees. They would meet them half way between the lines. Some of the Yankees told our boys that Grant should have said that he would not make them charge on us any more, that it was the very thing that Lee wanted; to kill up his men until they were considerably reduced and then he would try to rout them. I think he is sensible, but I would like to know how he will ever get to Richmond unless he moves on us for we are between him and Richmond. Oh, I wish this cruel war was over. I never was so tired of anything in my life as I am of this fighting. I hope and trust this summer will be the last and we will be allowed to go home and live in peace and quiet. I feel like I would be so happy if we could have peace once more. [Kennerly would not live to realize his dreams of home and peace!] I have no money myself of any consequence. I have not recd. any pay I believe for four months. I wish you would spend the bonds for paying our taxes. If I am ever paid I will try and send you some money. Give my love to all. Write soon. Your sincere Sam."
