Yorktown Va Jan. 11^th 1864

 

Brother Sam.

                        I rec^d yours to night. somehow your letters do not get along until the next week and as I do not answer write until I get yours they do not have time to get through We have had cold weather here.

 

I was on guard New Years it was warm in the morning but soon commenced growing cold and the wind blew a perfect gale. I think it was the coldest night we have had.

 

On thursday night it snowed (sound snow) friday morn the it was about two inches / deep. It has been good winter weather since, pleasant but not warm enough to thaw in the shade. It was a little warmer to day.

 

I am not feeling first rate got a hard cold this morning I took four pills think I shall come out all right in a few days Am not so sick but that I do duty right along

The 16^th H Artillery stationed in the lower part of the Fort has the small pox in its midst or at least that is the report. They were all vaccinated this morning We are expecting recruits along every day for our regiment. Are enlarging our barracks so as to accommodate them. I guess / another summer we shall have enough to do I hear that the Mt Rifles have all reenlisted and expect to go home on a furlough the last of the month. I believe that all of the boys from our vicinity that you know have "gone in" but Niel Goold.

 

I have written all I can think of. I guess Co A which was stationed at Fort Norfolk came here last week.

 

Gen Butler is putting niggars in all those good places.

 

I am glad you and John have not got to stand a draft again.

 

Give my love to Mother / and all.

                                                           

Good night

Your Brother

Cha^s E Reed

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