Yorktown Va. Dec 12^th 1863

 

Brother Sam.

                        I have just rec^d your letter. I wish I was at home to help you. I would like to come home while Gilbert and Almede were down, but there so many to go and only one can go at a time. it seems useless to try. We have been having fine weather here. I think the climate here a good deal better than home. Last Wednesday Gen Butler and staff came here and reviewed the troops The 148^th met him at / the boat and escorted him into the Fort. Line was formed in the following order. Two batteries on the right, 148^th in center and two colored Regts on the left.

 

Gen Butlers daughter accompanied him on the review. Gen Wistar's wife rode by the side of Butler & Miss B— by the side of Wistar

 

Gen B. looks just as that picture did that was in the hall. I should think he had on the same hat. I could not get a good view of the daughter as she had a veil over her face.

 

I got my box last / (I have scorched my paper drying the ink) Sat Eve all right. I think you must have had a job getting out walnut meats

 

It is Sat. night tomorrow I go on guard again This is the easiest place we were ever in I think Dont drill much now I am getting fat, weigh 181½ lbs now. by spring 200 lbs wont ballance me. What do you think if the President's Message I read it last night I am glad he is going to stick by his proclamation I guess we get the news before you do. With my letter I got two papers from home Independent & Democrat 

 

Give my love to Gil & Almede. How does the baby look.

 

I cant think of any thing to write so will close

                                   

Your Brother

Cha^s E Reed

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