H^d Qrs. Baty 14 Jan 14 1865

 

            My Own Dear Laura.

                                                            I have just rec^d your letter, so kind and full of love, dated Jan 10^th I have written this makes the third letter I have written to you since I have returned to camp. I will write often, and you must do the same. I am so happy to know that you desire so earnestly to continue our intimacy. I feel quite happy to knight. I know I must be content and I have concluded to wait patiently until such time as I can come home. I am so sorry that your present was damaged. I thought it would be a curiosity. well you have all the jokes played on you. Keep cool that is what Gen^l Putnam told his men at the Battle of Lexington. / quite a good advice to be sure, but I dont think it implies to either of us. I have rec^d some photos, I will send you two. please give one to Ella Curtis. I have promised them one long ago, and did not give them one. I had them taken at Camp Distribution. I think they are the best I have had for some time. well I hope much good will be done at the Protracted Meeting in the M E Church. I wish I was there to attend the meeting I think you would go along, dont you think so. I cannot forget the pleasant visit I had at home. Say I guess you dont stay up so late since I left. 3-4-5 Oclock I must go home. well I think tis time I left for the Army. I am quite sure I was much trouble and but little good, though quite pleasant, not so

 

            Does Beck Brice hear from Dear Andy. please tell me what Co. & Regt. his is. I expect to go the way and I may possibly find him I will look for him. Lieut Shipman is near the place where poor Andy is. I have not seen Brother Jed I intend going to see him as soon as I can ascertain where he is stationed. I know he will be so glad to see me. I have not seen him in two months. I think he is the best brother I have. he is a good soldier and is liked by all the men in his Company.

 

Say Laura, what has poor Oliver Yerdy to say is he still afraid to go home for fear of a wedding. poor boy, how I pity him for his pains and troubles. I think him to be a good news carrier but for the world dont tell him what I say. he can do no harm. 

 

I am all alone to knight. tis now ten (10) Oclock. the boys have cut me plenty of wood and built a good fire the pickets are firing briskly but I feel safe, although I am in the front line of works, not more than 500 yards from the enemy. the boys in my section have put up my [?] and put in a good brick chimney. I am comfortable, but sleep cold knights. I must sleep alone and two blankets is not sufficient to keep one warm after the fire goes out. when we are in camp, Wireman is my bed fellow, but we are out in the line and are separated he is at least one mile on my right near Fort Stedman and I am at Baty 14 near Fort Morton. Lieut Campbell is back in camp with the horses and balance of the company about one mile I have my horse brought up twice a day and then I ride back to camp and get my meals. here we all meet have a little chat eat grub and return to the front. 

 

I would like to see you go out with that Gent Nag. you would cut a swell. you had better wait and take me along.

 

Genl Sherman is going like a locomotive through South Carolina and the Rebs despair of stopping his triumphant march. he is a 5 Star Genl of the North and will wind up the War. I think tis safe to say that next summer will end the struggle and secure us the prize. Who Says the Nigger

 

I must now close my kind regards to your Pa, Jno. and all

 

I will look for an American soon

 

 

I remain your devoted and true friend

WHThurston

Lieut Baty F 1^st P^a Arty

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