Rufus Dawes and Mary Gates "tie the knot" on a cold January 18 pre-dawn mini-ceremony held in her parent's home parlor. Then soon after, travel by rail to Milwaukee, catching up with his regiment now on leave. Rufus' sister Lucy pens a quick follow-up letter, quipping to her new sister, Mary: "I hope the roses have come back to your cheeks, for you looked as tho you were led to the “halter” rather against your will. I felt tempted to send for the Provost Marshal & have the Col. (Rufus) arrested, but he looked so terribly in earnest I did not dare interfere." All wonder what the future will bring to this combat officer and his young bride.