Norfolk Va. Sept 5^th 1863

 

Brother Sam.

                        I rec^d your letter to day. The box came friday all right. The boots are to tight. they are long enough but are to low in the instep come on hard and they are to narrow across the toes, and the legs are so small that I could not get my pants in them I am sorry you did not send me the price of them there are a number that want them so I can sell them with out any trouble When I sell them I will send you the money. I am sorry they are to small for I like them first rate / I guess it wont be necessary to send another measure for all they want is to be some larger in the instep and across the toes. the legs a little larger at the top. If they should happen to be a little to large I can get a pair of cork insoles in them. The pillow just suits me. I have got a good pair of mittens I shall want a new vest this winter but do not care any thing about one until the first of Nov. but perhaps you had better get it made and send it with boots or when Miss Pitts comes back. You can tell the size by vests at home. I want a dark blue cut military style button up close to the chin / and military buttons. You can do as you like about sending now. I would like the boots as soon as you can send them. Be sure and have them large enough. We are having beautiful weather cool and pleasant. Capt Griswold starts for home tomorrow on a fifteen day furlough. He will start to come back two weeks from tomorrow. You might tell Miss Pitts and if she is ready to start she can have company back

 

Col Guion has issued an order that all the noncommissioned officers are to be examined the fourth of Oct. and those that do not pass will be reduced. We have got some Sergt's that do not know much and they have got to study like / or get reduced. It is the first a fellow has had to do any thing for himself since the war began we came out. I shall not try to get a furlough in a good while yet I think. My health was never better. I saw the monitor Sangamon friday go past here. I have got to hurry to get this in the P.O. so I guess I will close

                                                                                   

C E Reed

 

Love to all

            Mothers cheese is first rate

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