Camp near Petersburg           

Dec 4^th 1864

 

Laura, I have just read your kind letter, and I will hasten to answer although you must not expect a long letter or you will be disappointed. I am quite tired to knight. I have been running around all day. it is bad to say this on the Sabbath, although I was compelled to go. I am well and I feel quite happy to knight although could I be at home I would be more so. I hope to come some time but I cannot mention any / time as I do not know when I could get a chance to go, but you can rest assured I will come if possible. The weather continues very pleasant, almost like summer, but winter is here and soon we expect to know it in reality. the news from the Army is of little importance I understand the 6^th Corps has arrived from Sheridans Army. if so we can look for the long contemplated move. I made mention some time ago to you some excitement prevails in the camps as to Shermans destination and the results of his campaign we sometimes hear that he has met with disaster, then again he is making rapid strides through the heart of Georgia at least he has undertaken a long and risky tramp and / if he passes through safe he will accomplish much more than I had expected.

 

Laura, I must say in regard to my parents, not wishing me to correspond with you, is wrong. I can truly say that no such expressions have been made by my parents. Mother & Father both have encouraged me in so doing. please dont forget to remember that the many instances flying reports circulated are not at all times reliable, and are put afloat to make disturbance.

 

I am glad that you made mention of what you heard, it has caused me pain since I heard it. I know my Mother and Father do not meddle with my affairs, as they know I should best know myself. as for Elizabeth I dont care what she says. I know she has a habit of talking to much / I do not think that Meal Gruber writes to Lieut Wireman of late at least I have not seen anything to prove it to be so. Well he is too good for her, dont tell her. confidential. Major Ricketts has returned to camp he looks well but has been sick. Lieut Brockway will be captain of our Battery providing he will except his commission sent him by Gen Curtin.

 

I must close. please write soon. my love to all your friends excuse my short letter. I will write more in a few days. I am as ever your [?]

                                                                       

Lieut WHThurston

Baty F 1^st Pa Arty

2^nd Corps

Washington D.C.

[front top margin sideways]

 

P. S.

1^st Lieut Campbell

has command of the

Battery and if Lieut

Brockway does not

come he will be

Captain.

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