Camp Hancock                      

April 27, 1864

 

Laura, yours of the 24^th came to hand this evening. I have perused it with much satisfaction, and pleased to learn that you still keep well. the weather is mild and the surrounding hills and valleys present a summer like appearance. Still vegetation cannot grow when so large an Army invades the country the little blades of grass that begin to peep through the hard ground is soon nipped close by some hungry animal. I had expected the Army would have moved long ere this, but something has prevented it thus far, but the silence will soon be broken. we are ordered to get twenty days rations which means March. I anticipated some rough times, but as I have written to you quite lengthily as to the prospects of the campaign I will not say much regarding it to knight 

 

            Morning 28^th

I could not finish my letter last knight, so I will write a little more this morning I cannot write much now, for this reason. we must go out to drill at 10 A.M. and then the mail goes out in the afternoon the weather is cool this morning an overcoat comes good. I have received a long letter from Father, and Mother the first one since I came back. I was to glad to hear from them. I had thought they had forgotten me, they are all well and I think they get along as well as usual.

 

            evening 28^th    this has been a fine day. we have had two drills, in fact busy all day. I have just come from the upper end of the Company. the boys are dancing with a double sett, having all the form imaginable. I thought I would sooner write to you than look at the idle play. 

 

I rec^d a letter from Jake and Jane Raker which I must soon answer they are doing well at Minersville. Freeman corresponds quite freely with Jane, dont tell Sallie. I should not have told it but I am sure I have done no harm by telling you. tell Joe I would like him to answer. I think so much of his letters, also Sammy. I dont expect your Father to write so soon for I know he has enough to do but I would love to have him answer.

 

I am well to day but yesterday I quite a severe attack of the sick head ache which I have been subject to for many years, but of late I have not been plagued so frequently

 

I will send you a photograph of one of my most intimate friends in the Army, Lieut C B Brockway, a brother to Frank. he accompanyed Buckalew when Minister to South America. he is a married man, his home / in Bloomsburg Pa.

 

this is indeed a pleasant evening the band at Gen Hancocks H^d Qrs is playing the beautiful tune (Stand to the Storm) it would be pleasant to be in the Army, was there no battles to be fought. I will now have to close. please write soon, your letters are most welcome. I remain sincerely yours

                                   

WHThurston

Baty F 1^st Pa Arty

2^d Corps

Washington D.C.

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