Camp in front of Petersburg

Nov 11^th 1864

 

Dear Laura your kind and most welcome letter came to hand this evening, of Nov 6^th. I was much pleased to hear from you, and what pleased me too was to hear so good a report from Lieut C B Brockway. I think he is the best man in the world. he is such a good soldier in the thickest of the fight he would cheer and comfort his men. Frank P Brockway was just in my tent. I told him that his Brother Charles had made a good speech at Danville. he seemed well pleased. I suppose you all know who is President. I am quite sorry but hope for the best. I understand that M^cClellan / will not carry but three States namely Kentucky, Delaware & NJ. if so he is entirely lost, and Lincoln will beat him two to one.

 

I am glad that you are having fine times attending meetings. I am not well. I have had that everlasting sick head ache. I thought I could not live. I cannot account for it that I must be plagued so much of late. I have been taking medicine all day. my letter must be short. I cannot sit up long enough

 

this has been a pleasant day. I have just been out to knight the stars shine bright and the sky has the appearance of a pleasant day. the news from the Army is of little note. Skirmishing continues with mortar shelling all the time but we have become so accustomed to it that we can go to sleep as though nothing / had happened. the men are busy putting up good quarters how long they may use them I cannot say, but I am quite sure Grant must make another move before we can settle down for the long stormy winter. I am in good hopes he may conclude to stop and rest for the winter for I cannot see any chance to gain, so long as things remain as they now are.

 

I rec^d a short letter from Brother Embler this evening he is well. also one from B F Landow he is the same old Ben and a good M^cClellan man. I have not had the time to go and see Brother Silas. I am almost ashamed only five miles apart and dont get to see one another in three months. I could not go and he says I have a horse, / and I must come the most, so neither goes. I heard from home that Sister Amanda was quite sick. I was uneasy for a while but I have since learned she was better.

 

I will now close as I have written to you last knight. I sent you some photographs. please excuse my poor rambling letter as I am not well, my thoughts are not collected enough to write full letters even though I were able. remember me kindly to all. dont forget to write soon.

 

            I still remain your as ever true friend

WHThurston

Battery F 1^st Pa Arty

2^nd Corps

Washington DC

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