Chester Barracks                    

Feb 26, 1864

 

Laura,

I thought it proper to tell you that we must take the train in the morning for Washington that is Feb 27^th and to tell you what place to send the letters to me. I am well, with the exception of a bad cold caused by sleeping on the cold floor without blankets. but when I can get them I will soon be relieved from this plague. My blankets are all at Brandy Station, Virginia. we expect to go there, the principal part of our Company are here and I am glad to go. we have poor rations and accommodations here 

 

            I must tell you what I have been doing on the morning of the 25^th I done my washing. I had quite a wash three shirts & 1 pr drawers, and in the evening I took the cars for Phil^a arriving there at 8 P.M. took supper at the Allegheny Hotel, and went to the Theatre. at 12 M. went to bed. I went to the Depot to go back to Chester, and missed the cars. I went and took dinner and then took the train, arriving here at 2 P.M. I had a nice time but could not enjoy it. My thoughts were constantly looking to the time when I can return home to my friends. I never felt so much for home as I have since I have found so kind a friend, and so unexpected as you. 

 

            Laura—you must excuse me when I write to you I am so forgetful, and perhaps you may think me silly to express my love for you so frequently and hope you will not permit one thought to pass your mind that I am deceiving you. I am cincere and not deceitful, as a certain young Lady proposed to call me. the simple reason why I treated her as she seen proper to style ungentlemanly was because I could not love her. I cannot help to think how kindly I was treated by your parents. it exceeded my best expectations. I could not repay them, for the injury I have done them, but hope they will be kind enough to forgive me.

 

            I had intended not to come in the house, but I feel ever grateful that I have done so / but we will not talk about the past, and in the future, we will try and do better.

 

            tell me what Sallie Bucher thought that I did not call and see them, and what she says about Freeman. he says he will send her one of his pictures as soon as he can get one taken. he thinks well and speaks very complimentary of her.

 

                        I often think of the afternoon we spent in company with her and Miss Deemer. I thought so much of leaving on the following evening that I could not entertain them pleasantly, which no doubt they noticed. please tell them I send my best wishes, and kind regards for them, and hope to meet them when I can, tell them long stories concerning the history of this cruel war

 

            I have written to your brother Joseph, and will soon write to all. I have been busy making out lists of the men as they arrive and could not attend to my letter writing as I have intended hoping they will overlook my neglectfullness.

 

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