Camp Folger Portsmouth Vir

November 30, 1862

 

Dear Sister

                        I have got tired of waiting to hear from home so I thought I would write a few lines and see what the reason is that I cant hear from home at least once a week. The last letter I got from home was written two weeks ago friday and I received it a week ago last friday. I have been looking every day lately for a letter and every day have been disapointed. I dont know but among you at home you can write as often as I. I wish you would make a / rule of writing about once week so I shall know when to expect them.

 

I wrote you last Monday I was a little unwell then and have not quite recovered but feel much better this morning The Dr. told me that I have been threatened very hard with the billious fever, but he has got the start of it

 

I dont have a bit of appetite yet but in a few day I expect I shall clear out every thing before me

 

My barrel has kept well for the last week.

 

You have borrowed a great deal of trouble about my stealing potatoes. Now I deny the charge. I never went out stealing potatoes yet / but I have help eat them I dont think there is much hurt in getting them One half of the folks are rabid secesh, and I say if we can get potatoes or any thing else of them get it If they were north they would not have many scruples about helping themselves to any thing they wanted. Out where we stand on picket, there is a little fellow smaller than Willie whose hair's whiter and just as straight and his skin is as white as any bodys and he's a slave. I saw his Mother she is a quadroon I should think.

 

The last morning our boys were out, a woman and six children, the oldest about 14 and the youngest a babe about 3 months old came into / our lines. They had run away that morning came about 7 miles. The old man ran away last spring. I suppose you have heard that Tho^s J. Powell son of Shotwell Powell accidentally shot himself through the foot he is doing well I believe

 

I heard that Mrs Hawks was dead. when did she die and what was the matter

 

I have no news to write

 

I have written two letters to Nat and got one. I got an Independent the other day I thought it was from him looked like his writing could not see the post mark.

 

I have seen a times with Father's death in it. Now I want you to write often if you want to hear from me often

           

Your Aff Brother C E Reed

 

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I will write with ink by and by

 

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Those postage stamps were acceptable

 

I shouldnt care if I could see some more as I am about out

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