Camp Hancock                      

April 3^d 1864

 

Laura

            I have a few spare moments and thought I could not spend them better than to write to you I could not do justice to your letter last knight but I feel much better to day and will write another short letter which I know you will be glad to read. I could not sleep last night thinking of you and not being well but I think I can rest this evening much better. I am sorry to tell you that I cant send you the lock of hair for this reason. I have had my hair cut so short that you would perhaps sooner wait until it grows out a little longer and then I will do so. I have the lock you sent me and shall keep it 

 

It has rained and snowed ever since we changed camp which has made a disagreeable time for us. this morning when I looked around me in our tent the mud and water was over shoe deep but I will not complain this is what we must expect in camp.

 

Laura, do not trouble so much about me, I assure you I get along much better than thousands of men who are not accustomed to the hardships incidental to war. I am glad to hear that your Aunt Hulda is so much better and hope she may soon recover. I think her to be a kind hearted woman there is still some cases of small pox in the Army but not dangerous and it dont seem to spread. 

 

I should love to have a letter from your Father soon, and the boys I cannot write to them until they answer. my sister does not care to answer my letters. I suppose she does not approve of my doings while I was at home I will tell you more about it some other time

 

I shall not attempt to tell you this time much about the Army. the cry is still they come. the Regts and Companys are fast filling, and the Army will be strong by the time we can move. I do not look for much fighting until May

 

You wished me to tell you about coming home. I will not make any promise more than I hope and trust I can come next winter. 

 

I have not seen Brother Silas since the 17^th March he seems to like camp life and does not complain he is full of fun and I hope will be a good soldier

 

            Poor Israel Persing is a miserable creature and I do not think he can live long he is sick all the time.

 

we have had plenty to eat since we came to camp. I shall say nothing more concerning Campbell and Sallie, more than he is well. hoping they may not think strange of me for so doing I will close please answer my love to your family

                       

yours truly

WHThurston

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