Camp in front of Petersburg

Sept 12^th /64

 

Laura

            I have just rec^d a letter from you mailed 8^th Sept & affords me much pleasure to hear from you. I am sure when you are always so ready to write you think of me and sympathize with me. I am well, and quite comfortable, although the sharp shooters make this place quite unpleasant. we dare not put our heads above our works so sure as we do a hundred bullets come whizzing uncomfortably near our heads. I was cold all knight. I thought we would have a frost but the wind blew all the time and prevented it. 

 

J R Clark has written me a long and patriotick letter. I suppose to sound me out the election. I must answer him I will give him a dose. he wrote to me after the Battle of Antietam. I gave him my opinion quite freely as I mostly do and he was provoked and did not answer. I will do the same this time, only more plainly they wish to make capital out of me, but they will most signally fail. Emrick is afraid to write to me about the election. he gave me a good rub saying that the Democrats opposed the amendment allowing the soldiers to vote I know there was truth in the assertion, and I dare not repeat it or maintain it, but the Army is all right for M^cClellan. 

 

            I think if the weather continues getting cold we must soon build houses to keep from freezing

 

            Many poor soldiers have the ague. I cannot account for it this is the first time I have seen so much of it this long time. also some cases of small pox. our rations have not been quite as good as heretofore. I suppose vegetables are not so plenty at this season of the year. we still get soft bread and soup beans. I wish I had some good fruit. I often wish for to be in some good orchard in my native State. I would make good time. I intend sending home for some as soon as the weather will permit. tell me what kind of a Gent John Fry has made I have not seen him since he was a little boy. 

 

I have just finished my dinner now I will close my letter. I had a good beef soup.

 

            My love to the family. Freeman Campbell is well.

 

            please answer very soon

 

my kind regards to Sarah Ann

           

from your friend

                        WHThurston

To L J Morgan

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