Camp in Fort Stedman Va

Oct 10^th 64

 

Laura, I have just rec^d your kind and long looked for letter of the 4^th. I cannot account for the delay in my letters not coming to hand but I shall not spend much time regarding this as I hope no more such delays may occur. I was nevertheless much delighted to hear from you and thankful for your prompt reply. I am well and no accident has happened here quiet prevails in our immediate front, which has given us a little time and rest, but as I write I hear the booming of cannon in the vicinity of the James, but what is going on I am unable to say but look / for news from that quarter soon. the battles I spoke of have been fought with some success to our arms but nothing decisive Some parts of our lines have approached Richmond some nearer. the final struggle must take place some time this month which will decide the fate of the Rebel Capitol I hope we may be able to take the place for I do not like the idea of remaining in this unhealthy place during the long winter. I would sooner be close to some city it seems more like home. true we can see PBurg but as the Darkey say we cant come in The sun shines warm to day but last knight we had a white frost enough to freeze anything. I was cold all knight and thought frequently of a good / feather bed. Many of the Infantry have no blankets. how I pity them they must keep fires all the time to keep warm. Brother Silas had none when I last seen him. I told him I would try and send one to him but tis impossible for me to go had I one to take him I pity the poor fellow but cant help him. we are on the front line and dare not leave one moment. the wind blows and dust blows, tis almost impossible for me to write, but you must excuse dirt as I cannot avoid it. we are surrounded by a beautiful grove of tall oaks, but they have been completely riddled with shot and shell, not one tree but what is shattered with a hundred of these missiles. it looks as though man could not live here for one moment but our works / are so good that only a chance shot reaches us. Mortar shells come tumbling in but they do but little damage save a big noise when they explode. I have seen them come and bury in the earth that you could scarcely find them, tearing holes in the ground large enough to bury a good sized man. it looks dangerous but does not frighten us so much as some of the timid and faint hearted there is more noise in huge shells than danger, but the whiz of the rifle ball tells man different. we cannot see them but must depend upon good luck or a kind providence to escape their spiteful coming. I so often think we never see our real danger at least we dont seem to appreciate it. 

 

Laura I think you and Miss Bastian had a pleasant time that rainy knight at the circus I suppose you seen the Elephant. Sargt Wireman is a Lincoln man, then he must suit Meal. dont tell her, or he will want me. we are the best of friends

 

            Brother Emblers babe is a boy but I would insult him to make that request as he loves P Lincoln and supports him with all his might. he asked me to define my views which I done in my usual plain way. I cannot say what he thought neither do I care.

 

I cannot tell the same of my sisters not writing to me but I do not think it has to do with our affairs, if such is the case I care the less. She may then get pleasure the best she can. 

 

I did not know that Father was sick I must write to them soon. he is getting old and his useless habits has with hard work broken him down, but Embler will look after them and see that they do not want. he is good and kind, his drinking has been one of the severest troubles on my mind since I have grown into manhood. I so often wished he would abandon it but he seemingly cannot quit it entire. one thing this has been a warning to the family and I know they all have took good care to abstain from using to freely spiritous liquors.

 

Freeman rec^d a letter from his brother since he came to Penn^a. I told him he was visiting in Sunbury. I suppose he is a good man by what I am told. I must now hasten and close / my letter. I wish I could come with it. I long for the time when I can come. I wish to be out of the Army more than you, but this wishing will do no good. I must try and do the best to keep cheerful I can and worry out the time. try and be happy, dont make any trouble concerning me. I assure you I am as well off as many thousands of my comrades, and if God wills it I will come, and if I am destined to fall I know I have the love and sympathy of a true heart always thinking and caring for me.

 

Please answer and tell me all.

 

My love to the family

            from your friend

                        WHThurston

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