Camp Jackson Williamsport Md, Jan^y 24/61.

 

Dear Father.

                                    I received a letter from you last evening, and thought I would answer it this AM.

 

            We have had rain for the past week, and it has been awful muddy.

 

My boots are just the thing this kind of weather. We have no drills now, and do not have any guard duty, that is, those that are up here in camp. We have to guard the town, and the Captain sends those that are sick to do that. We have thirty three men detached for that duty.

 

We have taken the tent pole, and tripod down, and put up a long pole instead thereby making more room.

 

            We have hired a cast iron stove, which heats the tent up beautifully /

 

I suppose that there will be some exciting news very soon now.

 

            Wasent that glorious news that came from Kentucky the 21^st.

 

            Captain Cary has got his furlough and will go home after payday, and he said that he would call on you.

 

            I do not care so much about your subscribing for the True Flag, all I wished was to have a story paper every week if I could. I got those three papers that you sent me this AM, and thought I would let you know.

 

I shall send some money home when the pay master arrives, and perhaps by Capt Cary. Williamsport is as dull as ever. Clark is well, and so is Worcester. They send their respects. There is no news here of any importance. I presume that there will be a foward movement soon.

 

I think that we shall be at the taking of Martinsburg, and perhaps Winchester. / My boots will be just the thing on a march, I can think of no more news at present but will write again soon.

 

            I will send my Diary to you by Capt Cary if I can.

 

            Having nothing more to write I will close by sending love to Mother Henry Ada, and yourself. From your affectionate Son Chas. E. Leland.

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