Alexandria                 

May 12^th 1865

 

Dear Laura,

                        Your most welcome letter of May 8^th came to me this morning. I was so glad to hear from you again as I had not heard from you in a week. I will say nothing regarding time nor A Lincoln funeral train, hoping you will not have reason to censure me again for tardiness. I have always tried to please you and if I have not I hope I may in the future. Camp Barre is near Washington D.C. but we did not go there and have encamped on an eminence over looking the blue waters of the historic Potomac, which at this busy time looks beautiful dotted with so many little crafts and mighty / ships carrying men & material of war homeward. the country surrounding is noted for its beautiful hills and magnificent homes, though marked by the rude hand of war still presents scenes of attraction. the hills and valleys are all white with camps and men are coming the 2^nd & 5^th Corps with the Reserve Arty is here and Shermans Army is coming I think we will have a good jolly crowd when they all arrive, dont you think so. this will be the time for your Papa to come and see the grand Armies I wish he would come when the great review takes place. I have just rec^d a letter from home that Reuben was very sick not expected to live I may come home in a few days should he not get better. / dont be surprised should you see me at old Sunbury in a day or two Should I come I will not stay more than four or five days. I will come if possible.

 

I intend going to see the Sunbury boys in the 47^th Regt tomorrow if nothing happens to prevent my going I have not seen them since I have been in the Army. I am anxious to see them. I have not had much time to go around through the city of Alexandria I think I will go to the theatre to knight. I have not gone to the theatre as Campbell has not returned and I must remain in camp. I am going to the city of washington to knight to morrow. and will go to the 47^th Campbell seen Col Gobin in Washington last knight in the theatre. he looks well. 

 

Laura, you ask me why I made the remark as to the cigars &c I will tell you, I thought of your putting my cigar in the stove last winter and thought if you would catch me with another you would repeat it only a joke if you please. I will tell you all about it when I come home. I am so uneasy about brother I hope he is better. I was surprised to hear of his being sick as he was so hearty and well.

 

I hope your Pa will soon get well. I pity one who has the chills quite a number in our Compy have chills often I sympathize with them.

 

I will close hoping to see you soon I remain yours most

 

Affectionately

                        WHThurston

Miss Laura

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