Norfolk Va Sept 13^th 1863

 

Dear Sister

                        Your letter came yesterday but some how I failed to get a hold of it until this morning.

 

It is a beautiful morning. I suppose you are getting ready for church about this time. Well the boys here in the run are brushing up their guns &c getting ready for inspection at 10 Oclock. I am already now and waiting so I thought I would commence writing. I have no news.

 

One out of each company went home on a furlough last thursday I understand that they are going grant them every ten day, but I believe all the married men are to have the first chance and as they are about half married in our company, I dont expect it will come my time very soon. Sam need not send me money to come for I dont know when I may come and besides if I have not got enough I can get it when ever I want it. I may not come in three months 

 

I feel first rate both bodily & mentally I am glad Helen Pitts is coming back again so soon. The news is first rate now days. Charleston will soon come believe I believe. I am getting acquainted with a good men here and there are lots of them from N.York & Mass that have come in since the war and are now doing business. A good many goods coming into the city now

 

I am glad Joe Sullivan is coming to our company he wont find it so awful bad as he thinks I never enjoyed my self better than I do now days I sold my boots to Sol Sullivan he will pay me as soon as he can get the money. there were two or three that wanted them. Sol is good pay

 

The cookies were first rate. I gave the boys some they praised them up about right. They boys were sorry that I did not send for a whole cheese and they would buy part of it, but I dont want to be bothered with it The collars are just the right size I like them better than the standing ones. The Mounted Rifles have gone to / Williamsburg to stay. The regt goes by the name of Mounted Robbers here I have had two or three meals of sweet potatoes, but I did not have any butter. Our board is not as good as it was at first. The woman we commenced boarding with is going to N.York, and another has taken her place but she dont quite fill it. Adams is well I have first rate visits with him. Tell Willie I want to see him very much He must ride old Dick a little for me. I wrote to Nat last week I have got a good pair of mittens now. Love to all—Give my love to Aunt Betsey and Aguira

                                                                                               

C. E. Reed

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