Headquarters 148^th N.Y.V.

Camp Folger Portsmouth Va. Jan 11.

 

            Dear Sister

                                    I have just rec^d your letter Am glad to hear from you again. I have just been to dinner. Had baked potatoes and boiled beef. The potatoes were some I had laid away. Friday night I went down to Fort Norfolk and stayed all night with Adams he is well. had a good time came back yesterday about noon They have sent most all the niggers to Craney's Island. there are about 125 soldiers in there as prisoners some for deserting some for sleeping on post &c I should think there were about 30 secesh prisoners in I saw one Rebel Captain he had / on his uniform. It is a pleasant place there you can see all the boats and sailing craft that run to Norfolk, but I had rather be up in camp. I dont think we have as hard work as they Each company have to stand on guard every other 24 hours

 

Last week we had some rain yesterday P.M. it rained and in the evening. This morning it was clear and we are having a warm pleasant day warm for enough to be out in shirt sleeves

 

I weigh 174 pounds more than I ever did before I soon shall come up to 180

 

I suppose you or some of the rest are at Honeoye to church to day. Next sunday give my regards to Miss Jewette

 

I tried to find something for Willie in Portsmouth yesterday / but couldn't. About the barrel I guess you had not better send me any chickens. most that have been sent have been baked and a good many have been hurt so they had to give them to the niggers. if they should come through pretty quick they might keep you may do as you are mind to about them

 

You may send me some (a few) sausages and some hedge cheese if it is not all gone. Some of the boys have had mince pies sent them they look first rate when they are eating them. The ginger snaps you sent me did not keep as good as the cookies got soft I want mother to make some fried cakes. some of those big round ones. Give me a lot of dried apples they are about as good as any thing / Send me what you think need My socks are all good yet the pair I got wore last have got a little hole in the toes I can mend it

 

I dont know as I want any thing in the clothing line yesterday I bought a pound of fresh pork in the market it tasted first rate

 

put in a few apples. I dont care for any think pillow put my head on knapsack or overcoat I have got a bedfellow now that has got a bed quilt and we have plenty of clothes Out on picket have a brick for a pillow If you send me crackers send the small round ones Send the leggins along I dont care which I have blanket or overcoat Money was all right.

 

I have got a piece of the Merrimac large enough for a cane I shall send to somebody home if I can get a chance ask Sam if he would like it. Love to all

C E Reed

 

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I like to forgot about the tea you may send me some if you are mind to I like the coffee, drink clear We have got a coffee pot you know I am not a great hand for tea

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