Camp in Front of Petersburg

Nov 4^th 1864

 

Dear Laura

                        I have just finished putting up another house and I thought the first thing I could do to dedicate it to satisfy myself would be to write to you. I cannot write a long letter as I am to tired and I am quite sure you would sooner receive a short letter than none. I thought I would have a letter from you in this evenings mail but my name was not called, so I must wait until to morrow knight when I hope to have one. I am well as could be expected, though I feel tired and worn out. we have been moving around through the / rain until I was completely wet through and last knight our blankets was so wet that I could not sleep but to day the sun shone and the wind blew which gave us a chance to dry them. I think I will have a good snooze after I finish this letter. the weather is so cool I think we will have a heavy frost until morning however our house is warm and I am quite sure I will sleep warm I went three miles to day to get brick for a fireplace. after a long hunt I found the foundation of a house which served my purpose to a T. it was late when I came to camp and I was hungry but to my great satisfaction our dutch cook had boiled a pot of beef all [?] Boy was I

 

Eliott wrote me a nice letter which I have answered. he says they have the ague, and his father is plagued with his neck. he does not speak very complimentary of the New Mill boy. he runs about knights to much after the girls I thought it a bad practice although most young men have the same failure. therefore I suppose he must be excused. I am glad that winter is so close at hand I intend trying for a furlough. I think if my life is spared I will get home some time between this and spring. I understand that furloughs are being granted now to those who have urgent business to attend, and in case of sickness among friends and relatives. 

 

as soon as I get rested I intend writing to your Father. I answered his letter but I have so little time that I could not write much I have been talking of going to see Bother for the last four weeks and thus far I I have not gone, although I intend going soon. I recd a short letter from Elizabeth this week. She tells me that she did not get my letter and blames me for all I hope she is right. She has been sick with fever.

 

Sargt Wireman gave me his picture. I told him I would send it home he said he did not care.

 

I must close it is 11 oclock. you will say tis time to go to bed my love to all the family

 

please answer soon.

 

I am as ever your true friend

                        WHThurston

SOURCES