Fort Burnham Va

Dec. 8^th 1864

 

            Dear Sister

                                    I rec^d a letter from you last night, expecting it I went down to the Sharp Shooters camp and waited for the mail I also got the Democrat and a letter from [?]. In the Regt. mail my Post came and a letter from Wait. Poor fellow he has had a hard time of it. You remember he was wounded the 29^th of Sept. when this Fort was taken. He says the gangrene came near came nere eating his leg off. He is now at For Monroe, says he is going home as soon as he is able to travel He sent Housel's things home the other day by Mark Swift who / has a furlough to go home and see his Father who is not expected to live. I hear that Mr Housels people take Charleys death very hard. He is the 2^d son they have lost in the army this summer. The other was killed at the Battle of the Wilderness in May last.

 

Andrew Lyon returned to the company this week. I bought me a longtailed frock coat for $6.00 Andrew is fixing it over into roundabout. I should have to draw one and that would cost me $5.50. This is much better as the cloth is finer and I can get a better fit. Andrew alters it for nothing as I write his letters for him. I thought it was going to rain when I wrote my last letter but it / cleared off and we have been having beautiful weather

 

Gen Ord has returned and is in command of the Corps. He was up to the Fort yesterday The batteries along the river had quite a duel about noon yesterday. Immediately in our front it is very quiet Last night on the left there was quite heavy firing, have not heard what it was.

 

I dont know as I want another pocket hankerchief yet. You can send what your are a mind to in the box besides the shirts and pair of socks I should like a mince pie or two. Dont send them yet though I get along first rate with the company. I suppose I am Sergt now although I have not got my warrant. I was ordered / to report myself as such on the report book. What does Sam call his lambs worth

 

It is just 27 months to day since I first went to Geneva to be mustered. I hope Sherman will be successful in his campaign. Every one here seems to think he will be

 

Almeron has been here.

 

Write often

           

Love to all

Yours Affectionately

Charles.

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