Norfolk Va Aug 1^st 1863

 

            My Dear Sister

                                                I rec^d your last yesterday all right. I have not got much to write about. I am well. In the company I have never seen so many pale faces before as there are now. We are having warm wet weather Have a heavy shower most every day. This morning it is pleasant cool breeze hardly a cloud to be seen before night if it is as has been we will have plenty of rain

 

We were paid off yesterday again. I got no allotment but all money. I shall send home ($10) ten doll in this letter and that may / all you'l get this time

Sam may send my boots as soon as he gets them made You need not send a large box, only large enough for the boots. you can put enough in them and around them I want I guess two pr. of cotton socks I had rather have them than woolen ones, some paper and envelopes, collars. I just as lief have turn down ones be sure and get them large enough. It seems as if I wanted something else but I cant think now what. I most sorry I did not write to have my boots made on 8½s I want them large enough. I wear 8[?] shoes here and they are large enough. I wish Sam could come down here and see me If he gets through his work / so he can leave I should think he might come. I dont know as he could get past Baltimore though, with out a pass Sheriff Swift comes down here quite often if he could get in with him he could come right along. I never expect to get a furlough to go home

 

Lots of water melons are in market now I get all I want to eat and such nice ones Capt Hilger a chipper gave me one the other day it was splendid. I get all the peaches and melons I want for nothing.

 

In doing my duty the other day I had to search a lady's trunk. It was a very delicate job she had it packed just as full as it could stick had to take every thing out / found nothing contraband she had some splendid dresses one white satin. The City of Hudson commences making three trips a day now instead of two. I hope John wont be drafted. Am glad Geo Ashley is went. it make him square to pay the $300 though I should like to take a ride after that new horse. I have had poor board here so far. we changed our boarding place this morning. 3 commissioned officers and 6 sergeants from our Reg have gone home after conscripts. Sergt Housel of our company has gone

 

I wish you would send me your photographs. Go to Canandaigua with Sam sometime and get yours  Love to all

                                   

Your Aff. Brother

C E Reed

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