Camp near Petersburg            

July 16/64

 

Dear Laura, yours of the 4^th & 11^th was rec^d last night. I have looked long and with [faded] suspense and I could not think what had happened. I rec^d no letters from since July first until last evening. formerly I rec^d your letters regular. for this reason I wrote a note to you on the 14^th to ascertain the cause of delay please do not take offence for what I wrote in it. I was so anxious to know and hear from you and thought it my duty to write, and find out what had happened [faded] to happy to hear from you and that you [faded] well 

 

I am well, save tooth ache and pain in my face. our rations are good. the Sanitary Commission has given us cucumbers, beets, onions and many [faded] of tables. we have been relieved for a short time to rest and wash our clothes. the weather continues dry and hot we have not had rain to lay the dust since May [faded] we dug a well 27 feet deep to get water for our poor horses and the Company. the oldest citizens all agree that they never knew so long a time without rain. the siege of Petersburg has commenced, but many months of labor and time must be used to accomplish the much desired end, namely [faded] Petersburg. 

 

the great Rebel raid has caused sensation rumors of different kinds among the soldiers but they do not seem to care whether school keeps as they say or not, but I do not think it will be serious. they must soon go back to Dixie. the 6^th Corps has gone to protect Washington, and push the enemy across the Potomac.

 

I had the pleasure of seeing Brother Silas this morning he is well and hearty. Also a letter from Ben Landow, he is at fort Murray. Sargt. Wireman is first duty Sargt. I have lately learned the secret.

 

Wireman and the Lady you referred me to, he heard myself and Campbell speaking about her and wrote to her. she answered, I did not know it until the other day I requested him to tell me who he knew in Sunbury / then he tells me he wrote to Miss Geesler, but he says he did not tell her that I gave him her address. there must be something fascinating in her name otherwise a gent like him would not attempt to write to a Lady he never knew nor seen. [faded] wrong, that she would blame me and Freeman for getting her a correspondent but I can assure her she cannot get a better one, he is both handsome and good.

I do not remember of telling anyone that your family was the cause of my going to the Army. do not countenance such idle talk this is done to make disturbance which I fear may be the end. I wish you to give me the author of such idle talk. I went thinking it my duty to go, and [faded] / I did not tell you when I was at home. I would not have reenlisted had I not had the promise of getting a commission. Still my pay is almost as good, but always think a man should get up in the Army as high as he can, he has more [?]

 

have you a picture of Maj Genl Hancock, Sedgwick & Barlow.

 

our pay seems slow this time. we have not been paid since March, but we look for it soon.

 

I rec'd a letter from Sister Elizabeth the 12^th July. She seems to like her knew home.

 

I will now close as I must write a short letter to Landow and by that time the mail will be going I hope to hear from your Pappa soon. My kind regards to all the family. please answer I still remain yours truly and devotedly. 

                                                                                   

WHThurston

Baty F 1^st Pa Arty

2^d Corps

via Washington, D.C.

 

P. S. did you get a picture of Lieut Snider.

SOURCES