Headquarters 148^th N.Y.S.V.

Camp Folger Portsmouth Va. Jan 18 1863

 

            Dear Sister

                                    It is a week to day since I have written have not heard from home since

 

I have much news to write but thought I would let you know that I am all right

 

We have had more excitement this last week than usual the rebels have been between here and Suffolk tore up about miles of the Portsmouth & Suffolk R. Road One company go out every night reconnoitering up the rail road our company probably will go out tuesday night. I hope if we do go we will find some of them and not march out for nothing. Some say that the / raid was made by some of Stuarts cavalry others think some of the rebels of Norfolk & Portsmouth and vicinity done it.

 

Shotwell Powell is down here I am going to send my Merimac cane to Dr Paul if I know when he goes home. He has or is trying to get a discharge for his son Thom J. I guess it is rather doubtful about his getting one

 

Had quite a large fire in Portsmouth thursday night came near burning the general hospital Saw a Times yesterday which had a letter in it from Ed Chipman. It is clear but cold froze harder last night than any before this winter. We have threw our stove out and built a good large fireplace in its place stove got so it smoked. The mail has just come got a letter from Tom he says / you have not rec^d answers from either of the letters which sent me containing money. I answered them both got your last Last Sunday probably you got that last week some times some of your letters come through in three days. Is Sam going to hire John another year his time must be about out now. if he can manage him I should think he had better keep him.

 

My butter is out lasted me just two months all out now but about a half can of honey. took the last of cheese out on picket Well I guess you miss my letters in your new post office

 

Tom says we had thirty bushels of cloverseed good yield

 

If you get this before the barrel starts throw in some walnuts

 

Write soon

Love to all—Cha^s E Reed /

 

Sent a paper to Willie last week full of pictures.

SOURCES