Near Brandy Station Va

Jan. 24^th 1864 

 

Dear Father

                        Your letter came night before last and I was very glad to get it. the papers came before.

 

            There has nothing taken place here worth writing about. There has been a court martial by which a corporal has probably lost his stripes, or rather has been reduced

 

            There is always something to talk about here in camp but it would not interest others. It has been very muddy here. I think this is about as muddy a place as I have been in. The sentinels could not walk post until their posts were corduroyed 

 

            There was an order read the other day from the war department permitting us to reenlist giving $402. bounty and thirty five days furlough. there has no one enlisted yet but there may be a few that will. I think it is doubtful about Crossley getting a furlough

 

You need not send the suspenders by mail. it would cost so much that I could buy a pair here cheaper

 

Since I commenced this letter I have been to meeting, the first time for most two years. The company fell in and all those that did not choose to go could fall out but most all went The preacher was one of the Christian Commission. he picked out the dryest spot but that was so soft he did not dare to put his hat on the ground he had a man to hold it. 

 

I hope Martha will buy the book I wrote about it gives a person so good an account of a soldiers life. I am living very comfortable now. I have got into the habit of undressing when I go to bed. One of the fellows that tents with me had a roast turkey come in his box and another had a goose, and there was about two dozen pies, and among the four boxes we have had quite a variety, but I have come to the conclusion that pork bread and coffee are the healthiest I would like to have a few postage stamps in the next letter I have money, but I do not know of but one place where I can buy them that is a head quarters and we are a mile and a half from there and I cannot always buy them there 

 

            There is nothing more for me to write, I believe.

so good bye,    Jerome

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