Camp near Appomattox        

June 28, 1864

 

Laura,

            yours of the 24^th came to hand this morning I had a few spare moments and thought proper to answer. I was pleased to have this letter from you. I am well, and feel quite restored. we are getting better rations and look for soft bread in a few days. we had quite a little shower of rain last evening. the floating breeze is cool and pleasant. it makes us feel so much better. I thought I could not live for the last three weeks.

 

I seen Brother on the 25^th he is well and full of his funny jokes. he seems to pass his time much better than myself. he was in the front line when I seen him I took dinner with him. he had / a nice loaf of bread and dried apples, stewed. we had a pleasant time. I stayed one hour and returned to my Compy. I was almost dead. I walked, I could not take my horse the sharpshooters was to close. the sun seemed to pour down without mercy. O the days seem so long. I have just been meditating, wondering who could tell me the end of this cruel, cruel and troublesome war. I think if I was President of these divided states for one day just now, I would negotiate with Jeff Davis and give him all he asked. I think poor Abe has found him to be a willing foe, and is trying to exclude him from ever entering into his society. well it remains yet to be seen who will succeed.

 

I am glad that your Uncle Grier will soon be well. it will relieve / his family.

 

I cannot tell you at the present whether any of the boys have been killed that you have pictures from, for this reason. I do not remember all I sent you. I think some are wounded. Lieut. Schnider was badly wounded, but has mostly recovered. I will tell you as soon as I can ascertain.

 

you mentioned that I should send you a picture of Silas, he has no negatives at home and cannot get them taken here, therefore I am not able to comply with your request just now but he promised me one as soon as he could get some taken. tell Joe when he comes home to answer my letter I like to read his letters they are so full of amusing sentences, I think he has neglected to write but I suppose he has ample reasons for so doing 

 

I will soon have to close, the mail goes in a few moments I wish I was with you and have some of the fruit you spoke of in your letters. dont forget to answer. I remain yours as ever. My kind regards to your family.

 

WHThurston

Baty F 1^st Pa Arty

2^d Corps

via Washington D.C.

 

P.S. I have the first picture you sent me. I will send it to you so soon as I can get a suitable envelope. I always neglected telling you, you requested me to send it some time ago.                     

WHThurston

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