On the Field                           

Chickahominy           

June 8^th 1864

 

Laura, yours of the 3^d June came to hand last night I am ever thankful to you for writing to me so prompt. I am sure if you knew how anxious I look for your letters and what comfort they afford me, you would write to me most cheerfully, which I have no doubt you do. I am happy to tell you that I am well, although tired and almost worn out. yesterday I thought we would get some rest we went to the rear, and took the harness off of our poor horses and commenced washing our duds. we had just commenced when the order came to harness up / and the men had their clothes all wet. we have had no change of clothes since we left camp there has not been much fighting since I last wrote to you, but heavy skirmishing continues along the lines, which may soon bring on a general engagement. I have just returned from the 184^th Regt. Some of the Augusta boys are in it. Isaac Martz was wounded. Emricks brother inlaw. I seen a number of men I knew. I also seen Capt Buyers Company, 58^th Regt.

 

please tell me in what Regt and Co. Landau is and the place of rendezvous. I may perhaps see them.

 

I am glad that my letters all came to you otherwise you might had thought me neglectful. the mails have been uncertain but now they come / more regular. the change of base so often causes the delay.

 

            I am sorry to hear that you are unwell, and do hope you may not be plagued with that fever. I do think the Ague is worse than any other fever to make one feel disagreeable. poor Grier I fear has over done himself working I am sure he never will do as much as he has done. tell the family I remember them and would love to see them. I cannot write to them now and if I had the time I could not as I have written to them last but I suppose sickness has prevented them from writing. I shall soon write to Sammy. I have not the time to day but the first chance he can look for an answer. I have the old [?] to day toothache, I feel so much out of humor. 

 

I cannot write much more the sun shines so hot and skirmishing so heavy that I must close. my kind regards to the family, hoping to in some future day to see you all

 

please answer from your

friend

                        WHThurston

            Baty F 1^st Pa Arty

                        2^d Corps

            via Washington D.C.

 

P.S. Laura, I will write every opportunity please do the same,

                                                            WHThurston

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