Portsmouth Virginia
Nov. 24th 1862
Dear Sister
I received your letter friday and should have answered it sooner but have not been feeling very well. Suppose I have been threatened with a fever but am feeling pretty well this morning so I thought I would write a few lines
You want to hear once a week from me I will answer all the letters I get from home right along
I suppose I rather overdone last week which was the cause of my being down Our Com was on picket / 24 hours and then marched in in the morning and then marched to the Norfolk fair grounds where there was a general review of the troops in this vicinity by Gen. Dix. There were 4 Regts of infantry one battery of six pieces and a company of Cavalry.
It rained a little all day. I like Dr Simmonds first rate. He takes good care of the boys I think One fellow has been very sick and he sleeps by the side of him every night so as to take care of him He told me this morning that he had a letter from Dr Doolittle who wrote that Mrs Hawks was dead
I verily believe that Richmond will be taken this time There is a good force at Suffolk now and three Regt have just come into Norfolk and are waiting in the boats until they can furnish transportation for them to Suffolk.
I believe that Richmond will attacked via Suffolk at the same time it is on the north by Burnside But I must stop I think I will be on duty in a few days Write soon and often Love to all. I wish I had some thing to send Willie but have nothing. I was afraid he would have the Dip glad he had it no worse. I wish I had his photograph
Goodbye, Your Affectionate Brother Charlie
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The letters from Honeoye came through quickest