Camp near Harrisons Landing Va

Thursday July 17^th 1862

 

Dear Sister

                        I received fathers letter this forenoon and was very glad to get it. I would have written to you several days ago but we have been busy fixing up our camp. We have had a drill every morning at six oclock and after that have been at work around camp but with all our work the camp is muddy enough. Last night and the night before there was a heavy thunder shower and we were flooded night before last there was six inches of water in the tent. my place happened to be the highest and I / had a tolerable good place after the water had gone down a few inches. It has been very hot now in the day time for a week or two I stand it pretty well but most all are sick. Our Dr is sick and we have one come from some other place. yesterday he sent two of this company on board the boat to go away and one to the general hospital. I do not think the whole army is as unhealthy as this battalion. we had to stand in the Chickahominy too much. I have had two Scientifics and was glad they come. Mothers letter did not come till after Sarahs and yours. I have not much to write one day is about the same as another. There is no firing near us now every thing is quiet. the balloon goes up every day close by us and we are close to the river and see the gun boats and / iron clad vessels every day. I will send you a sprig from a cypress tree that is on the James River and some leaves from what the boys say is the willow oak. I would send some money home but I do not know when I shall get any more and I spend more now than ever before. Some of the men have sent for boxes and have not got them so I will wait before I send for anything I will write as often as once a week if I can in the future so as to get an answer. is Martha well yet? There is nothing more of importance for me to write so I will stop.

Jerome

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