[blue pencil: Army Fare]

Camp of 148^th N.Y.Vol's.

Deep Bottom Va.

Tues. Eve. Dec. 13^th 1864

 

            Dear Sister

                                    I received a letter from you last Saturday as I wrote to Sam Friday night I thought I would wait a little before I wrote. Last friday night we had quite a snow storm and it has been cold since. The ground is frozen quite hard. To day has been a little warmer.

 

Have just got in to my new house It is quite comfortable.

 

Sat we expected an attack here but the Johnies did not come in our sight. I do not dread having them attack us I think we could give them a little of what they gave us at Fair Oaks.

 

I see because I spoke of a furlough / you take it for granted I can get one. It will be very doubtful I have concluded to let you send the box along. I am getting pretty hungry for something good Perhaps you would like to know what my Bill of Fare has been to day This morning had bread beans sugar & coffee. At noon had beef soup and coffee and to night had hard tack tea and sugar. I mention sugar in particular you know I do not use it in coffee but a little put on hard tack help them along

 

You can send me what you like in the box but I should like some mince pie, and fried cakes and butter. Send me some thread a hankerchief a good Diary for 1865 a pair of buckskin gloves and another box of blacking. I have had to let the boys use so much of it. They can get nothing / of the kind here. I do not care about a very heavy pair of gloves. Be sure and put the honey up so it will not break open It is the worst stuff to break open of anything

 

I get along first rate. am not sorry I came back feel about as much at home here as any where. I want Mother to put in a small loaf of bread—guess it will taste like home.

 

I cant think of any thing more that I want now.

 

Direct the box to Charles E Reed Co "G" 148^th Reg^t N.Y.Vols 4^th Brig. 1^st Div. 18 A.C. Va.

 

My letters the same

 

Love to All

Yours Affectionately

Charles—turn over 

 

Send me some more paper and envelopes and a pair of socks or two.

 

[third side bottom margin]

 

7 Oclock I have just been taking a lunch of raw pork cut thin with vinegar & pepper in it and hard tack. Have an excellent appetite

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