Near Petersburg                     

June 17^th 1864            

 

Dear Sister Martha

                                    I don't think I'll write much of a letter, only just inform you I am well.

 

We came here yesterday from the James River. the roads were very dusty and the woods were on fire most all the way making it smokey and it was a hot day. I think we came a good twenty miles

 

I dont expect we are going to move today but we may. it is pretty hot. our fellows have found an ice house and are bringing / ice into camp any quantity of it. I have had plenty of marching to do since I wrote as you can tell from reading the papers, but I am in good spirits. only fourteen weeks I dont know as I want to leave before then

 

We are camped now in an oat field I hope we will lay here today but they have just given the order to harness the teams, but they do that often and then do not move.

 

I have few accomodations for writing and do not write very well

 

            My bunkys have just brought in a hundred pounds of ice or more. I wish I could get some milk and molasses.

 

Charlie Bottomly came to see / me before we commenced this last flank movement. he looks the same as he used to

 

Ill not write any more now

 

so good by       Jerome

 

Saturday 18^th

            We did not move yesterday, though Head Quarters did. We moved this fore noon, came about a mile, into a good camp in a clover field I think we may stop here for a few days. There is considerable fireing today, as there is most every day. I received your letter today and the papers. Charlie Bottomly told me George Young was in the 57^th had two fingers shot of. I wish Father would send me a light felt hat by mail. 7 1/8 size, and stick a / handkerchief into it.

 

It is not so hot today as yesterday. we are in a good camp there is any quantity of wood all cut and dry close to camp good water and no other troops near. I have about the same hopes of seeing Richmond I have of being ordered to Calafornia. The newspapers tell a good many lies

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