Near Sandy Hook Md

Sunday Oct 19^th 1862

 

Dear Mother

                        We have moved camp since I wrote home last, we are now about a mile from Sandy Hook in a very pretty camp We moved to get to a place where we could drill. we have to drill twice every day about an hour each time. It is splendid weather but very cool nights It is the nicest day to day I ever saw. I suppose you heard by Sarah that I had got my box. I got it the 7^th of this month and was very glad to get it so late / My shirts were safe and they fit exactly. the stockings were safe and writing desk. the writing paper was damaged by the jelly I got about a third of the jelly the rest had run out through a hole that was broken in the bottle. one bottle of wine was safe and the drinking tube. the cocoa, tea and sugar were good but about every thing else was all in a lump together. I was very sorry to see the pies and things spoilt but of course could not help it I got the letter but the postage stamps were nearly good for nothing. I think I can use some of them.

 

            Last Thursday night I went on guard at our bridge over the Shenandoah. We do not have any thing to do only to be there in case any thing happens / to the bridge. there was three of us and a corporal. soon after we got to the place it commenced raining hard, so hard we could hardly keep our fire burning I had nothing but my woolen blanket, but about ten oclock I laid down on a big rock and went to sleep. It cleared off before morning so that we had a good time Friday.

 

I think we are waiting here for the river to rise when the bridges will need some fixing perhaps then we will go into winter quarters I haven't anything to write this time so I cannot make much of a letter. I am very healthy and enjoying myself I have received the tea, brandy snap &c you have sent in papers. I am much obliged. good bye

Jerome

SOURCES