Hd Qrs. Baty F           

April 11^th 65

 

City Point Va.

                        Dear Laura. I will write you a short letter this afternoon. I have just come from Petersburg and feel tired. I will not tell what I seen as it would not be of interest to you. I suppose you have heard of the surrender of Lees Army which virtually ends the war. I do not expect to fire another gun. I know we will all come home in a short time. you cannot imagine what a time we had when Lee surrendered. I will never forget the time, one incessant roar of cannon, cheer after cheer echoed through the air. / I have no doubt you have had a happy time throughout the North, more especially in the large cities. the papers we get contain glowing accounts of the Jubilees and celebrations over our great achievements. Well I am glad the end is so near at hand and I am more so that I am well and no accident happened me. I have now much better hopes of getting home to my friends, and some one else more so. The weather is fine. the fields look green with grass and the distant hills covered with wild flowers. We have our camp in a nice level field near the confluence of the Apo. & James Rivers and the green grass is springing up all around which makes it altogether a pleasant place. / how I wish you here to see I think I could be so happy and I know you too would appreciate it. The trains are running through to Burkes Station with loads of supplies for our noble Army. I have not been at Richmond yet but I intend going up next week if nothing happens and then I will tell you all about that long battled city I am anxious to get there and will go if possible.

 

I have not had a letter from you in several days but some of our mail we have not received and no doubt your letters to me remain with that mail but I expect to get it soon.

 

I am told that Sister Elizabeth has gone home to live and Philip has gone to the Army. I pity the poor girl She must have trouble. I look for the mail in a few moments and I look to have a / letter in it from you. if so I will write another sheet and send this with, if not I will send this as I know you are at such exciting times anxious to hear from me and I am quite sure I am if possible more so to hear from you.

 

            I have waited on the mail and to my great disappointment nothing came from you I had three letters but they was not interesting as they did not come from the right place. please write soon and tell me all. My love to all the friends

                                                           

I remain yours always

Lieut WHThurston

Baty F 1^st Pa Arty

4^th Brig Arty Reserve

Army of the Potomac

 

Reserve Artillery        Willie of the Potomac Army

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