Portsmouth May 11^th 1863

 

            Dear Sister

                                    I have just rec^d your letter two dollars all safe In Sam's last I rec^d fifty cent note which I forgot to mention in my last. It is warm as July here to day. trees are all leaved out. To day the Union people have a kind of a celebration to commemorate the day the rebs left the place which was a year ago yesterday. I should think that there was a pretty good turn out. I am a little unwell again dont know but I am threatened with fever again. Dr Ballard has just examined me going to send me some medicine this P.M. they are having the measles some. he said I looked as if / I was going to have them but I have had them once.

 

I was taken day before yesterday bones aching and chills took a dose of pills yesterday morning feel some better to day think I will be around again in a few days.

 

I hope Sam wont get very heavy flannel for me to wear this summer.

 

I was over to Norfolk last thursday and saw Helen Pitts had a first rate visit with her it seems good to see some one from so near home. There is a gentleman from Fort Monroe starting the school he belongs in one there. She has got a great undertaking before her I was in the school about 300 scholars present of all ages from old men to four / year olds. I am glad Sam is getting along so well with the Phipps affairs.

 

You have heard of Hookers retreat across the Rappahannock perhaps you think we are getting discouraged but it is right but I find it right the other way with the boys. They are all ready to join Hooker any time if it should become necessary. From the south west the news is encouraging Every thing is quiet here now except an occasional street row. I dont believe my my money was stolen out of my pocket but think the pocket book slipped out when I lay down and the money then taken. I guess I shall have to stop dont know as you can read this / but I dont feel much like writing to day. Love to all if I can get any to take this to the office it will go out to day

                                                           

Good bye

                                                                       

Your aff. Brother

Charles

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