Norfolk Va Sept 25^th 1863

 

            Dear Sister

                        I have just rec^d your letter and having nothing to do I thought I answer it. We are pleasant weather rather cool nights. we generally start a fire towards night. burn coal it makes it convenient for us, for when we go out at 8 O'clock every other night all we have to do is to put on a good mess of coal and when we come back we have a good fire at twelve to go to bed by and warm. A person will get pretty chilly standing four hours in the night. I never got Carrie Pierponts photograph tell her to send another one and tell her how / to direct it. Tell Sam I dont smoke a great deal I have not bought a cigar since I have been in Norfolk but I have had some given to me I will own that I like to smoke pretty well and take considerable comfort in doing so.

 

The filling came out of one of my teeth and it left such a large hole I was afraid it would ache so I had it filled again. It cost me $1.50. I saw Gov Andrews last week. He makes me think of Noah T Clark only he is larger

 

I went down to Fort Monroe one day this week just for a ride. I have only been down twice since I have been here. I could get a pass often if I wanted We were paid off Monday / I send home ($20) twenty Dollars. Sol Sullivan paid me for my boots. I have changed boarding places again. Have the best board I have had at any place I wish I could send you some sweet potatoes can get them for 25 or 30 cents a peck. Oysters have commenced coming in market again I have not felt as if I wanted any yet You need not expect me home till I come for all the men want to go and some have families they want to see too so I think it is a chance if my turn comes in a good while. I have got a good place here and am doing well so it dont make so much / difference. About a hundred of our regiment are out on a scout after guerrillas they started sunday night. The next pay day I shall not get so much money for I run over my allowance for clothing and it has got to come out of our wages. When Sam was at Naples he might have seen the Captain for he was at home. He got back yesterday Lieut Brown is very sick. He has had a relapse. I dont think he gets any better If Sam wants to use that money for any thing he can. I got enough left

 

My respects to John & Willie

 

you will find two passes for Willie. Love to All

                                                           

Your Brother

C. E. Reed

 

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Sat Morn. Weather changed last night. It is real cold this morning

 

Gen Naglee is going to Vicksburg. Gen Potter takes his place here

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