Brandy Station Va

Dec 11^th 1863

 

Dear Father

                        The express boxes are coming through now, and as the folks have written several times that there was some shirts ready for me I thought I would write for them now for I think we will be here all winter or near here. I would like a pair of boots. I cannot get them here very well. I want a pair that will keep my feet dry the best. The size is 6½ I can wear sixes but I cannot march in them. I would like also a pair of suspenders and 5 or 6 pounds of sugar, a box of / mustard. Mother sent some sausages last winter that tasted about as good as anything. They must be careful if they put anything in bottles to pack them so the will not break for in both boxes that have been sent to me something had broken. Direct the box same as a letter. it would do no harm to put on "Brandy Station or "Army of Potomac"

 

Capt. Wiley called to see me Sunday, and Monday Mr Coolidge They were both very pleasant and sociable. I some expect to go and see Mr Coolidge tonight with his cousin, and Dan wanted me to get a pass, and spend a whole day with him

 

 I have not gone into winter quarters yet though we have a fire place and live as comfortable as can be. Wood is not handy here / and probably we will move into the woods in a day or two and settle down for the winter

 

Mr Coolidge gave me some thread needles &c he gave me some writing paper and envelopes I don't suppose he paid for them him self though By the way, I have had thread & needles enough given to me to last a dozen men three years Every body from home seems to think a soldier needs a lot of thread. I would like a paper of pins in my box. It is getting dark now and I believe I have written all. I would like about two dollars sent in my next letter I think we will get four months pay the next pay day but I dont know when that will be. The whole army has been paid except us         good bye         Jerome

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