Camp in Fort Clifton 

in front of Petersburg

Aug 28. 64

 

Dear Laura,

                        I do with much pleasure acknowledge the receipt of your kind letter of the 23^rd mailed 25^th. I did not look for this so soon but no matter it was welcome. I am well but my appetite is not good I was quite sick this morning but I feel quite the other way this evening, which I know will be more agreeable for me to tell you. I do not like to tell my friends I am not well and complain so much it causes unnecessary trouble.

 

the remainder of our Corps is in camp they look discouraged we have had a hard time / I scarcely know what to say about Grants Army. I have written to you of the great battles and the results, which is useless to speak of again. the prospect of success attending our arms is not cheering, but an old saying the darkest part of the knight comes just before the dawn. if so the people may have cause to wait patiently, but I have no hopes of seeing our starry flag on the steeples of Petersburg, that now defiantly loom up in the distance very soon. but Riser says to the soldiers, trust in God and keep your powder dry. What has become of the Riser family.

 

I am to sorry for Mell Brewer dont neglect telling me how she is getting along. I think she is a Lady. / Also whose weddings Sallie attended.

 

            I must say my visit was pleasant last winter until the last three days. then I looked toward Dixie, but as the boys says, I put on a bold front to meet the trying emergency. I regret coming, was it not for one thing, which no one knows save myself and some one

 

That tumor in my neck is no larger and the best surgeons tell me it will not injure me I wish I could help eat that supper when cooked you speak of in your letter. do you still remember the oyster soup, and Mr Shipman. I think if it every day. I could not enjoy the evening my thoughts was wandering toward the Army. /

 

I will have to soon close our cook has just finished supper. how would you like to eat with us. I think you would not eat much the first time. we must reverse our meals to make a change.

 

The weather continues fine, with showers during the night. I have not heard from Brother I fear something has happened he may be safe. I still have hopes for him.

 

            much love to the family please write soon. I will write in a few days.

 

I am yours in truth

WHThurston

Baty F 1^st Pa Arty

2^d Corps

via Washington, DC.

 

To Laura,

SOURCES