City Point                   

April 18^th 1865

 

Dear Laura.

                        Your kind letter of 12^th was rec^d last evening I was glad to hear from you but sorry to hear that you was not well. I knew what you must suffer with them awful chills I have had them frequently, but I sincerely hope you will be quite well when this reaches you.

 

We have been busy all day moving camp. I am tired and worn out, not with work but so much care. And to this add a severe pain in my head which is not the most pleasant when on duty. the weather has been favorable, indeed pleasant, tis so warm to knight that I must pull off / coat. I wish you was here to see my tent. I have cedar & spruce all around it, and a nice flower bed full of flowers of several kinds. I think it perfectly grand I intend to have the boys make some improvements on it tomorrow if nothing happens to prevent it. The field in which we have camped is covered with grass, which pleases the men all to pieces.

 

I have but little news to tell you from the Army. Lees Army is nearly all paroled and gone home, and the most of our Army lays at Burkes Station, resting and filling up their empty haversacks We have just heard that Joe Johnson surrendered his Army to Sherman. I do not credit the report. Still it may be true, as we momentarily / look for him to do so.

 

I suppose you have heard of the Assassination of the President, which is a sad calamity to our nation at this time. the solemn duties that devolve upon the chief magistrate of the nation I fear will not be ably fulfilled by Johnson. I must confess I never liked Lincoln. Still, I have learned to believe that he was honest, and his whole heart and soul was enlisted in the cause of our common country. And the moment we most needed his conciliatory policy, and all his Statesmanship, some cowardly ruffian has murdered him. it has cast a gloom over the Army and the nation. I feel to knight like exterminating every Rebel in the South 

 

I am sorry to hear what you have told me regarding Capt Campbell. I can hardly believe had you not told me you seen it, that he would take to much liquor. I have known him long and have the first time to see him so, but for Bill Raker I would not listen to, he is not worthy to use the name of Campbell. he has not one manly principle in his bosom. Campbell is known and respected by every good soldier in the Army from Gen^l down otherwise he would not be entrusted with this Battery, one of the finest organizations in the Army. I have but little respect for Bill Raker as you may perceive for the reason that he went to Harrisburg to enlist got afraid and went home. he had not the manliness to offer his services to our country when it so much needed it. And I dont think it becomes him to talk about soldiers, it would not do for him to tell Campbell so or he would get a [?] 

 

I wish I could attend the little party you have invited me to but the step across the historic James you wished me to make is more than my long legs can make for the present, although I may come when you least expect me. I would love to see your Pa come this way and go to Richmond I would accompany him as I have more time than heretofore. tell him I said he must come and not forget to call at City Point. I will give him a good horse to ride and all he wants to eat & drink. I dont care anything about high water since I have heard that it did not take you down stream. I must now close tis getting quite late in the evening. I am not in the habit of keeping late hours save when I am in company with / intimate friends, then 4. Oclock in the morning is quite too early for me.

 

remember me kindly to Mag & Huldah Also your family. please write soon I am always anxious to hear from you.

           

I remain yours always

                                    Lieut WHThurston

Address,                      Baty F 1^st Pa Arty

                                    4^th Brig Arty Reserve

                                    Army of the Potomac

 

P.S. I think there is some probability of our getting to Washington after a while. if so I may come home a few days, I will try.

 

                                    WHThurston

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