Hd. Qrs. Sharp Shooters

Sept. 16^th 1864

 

            Dear Sister

                                    Your letter came last night I was looking for it, glad to hear from home. I believe you write the best letters I know of at any rate they suit me the best It is very pleasant this morning going to be pretty warm in the middle of the day.

 

We are still remaining idle, the easiest time we have had since we left Yorktown.

 

In the morning the boys go down to the river to shoot at target. that is about all they do do. The Regt go on picket about once a week. I dont know how long we will remain here. hope we will not get in the fall cam- / paign, but I rather expect we shall have to have a hand in I shall begin to look for my rifle now. I hope it will be along soon Night before last the Rebs fired a few shots from a battery near our front but a few shots from the gunboats soon stopped them.

 

The boys are building a brick oven to day so we can bake beans beef &c. I dont know but we will draw flour half of the time pretty soon then we shall bake bread I have spent $.50 of the money you sent me this morning for (4) four loaves of bread & (6) six lbs of potatoes. We draw soft bread every other day and hard tack every other day. The [?] and I have lived on them so much this summer they go pretty tough. We expect to draw flour for them soon / Butter is out of reach we only buy a little once in awhile It is ($.70) seventy cents per pound

 

This morning I had griddle cakes and meat & coffee for breakfast The griddle cakes were made out of flour and water mixed together They were very good. We make flour gravy to eat on our bread You want the receipt. Put a little pork fat in the spider. Mix our flour with water so to be pretty thin pour it in the pan and then add water cook till the flour is done salt & pepper it. How do you make minute pudding. I think it would pretty good. Reinforcements are said to be going to Grant very fast I should not wonder if the Rebs were whipped yet this fall. I am on my last year now A year from to day if I live / through I expect to be pretty near home at any rate on the road. Gen Butler is back again I have more faith every day that Lincoln will be elected I dont think Mac would make a very bad president His letter is very good.

 

I am well, feel first rate.

 

I am glad Willie got along so well at school. I hope he wont get in the habit of talking badly

 

There is nothing here I can get to send him if I had money He will have to take up with my love. I guess you had better make my shirts to send with my boots when I send for them. I shall try to get along without them till we go in winter quarters.

 

Sam better put a pair of insoles in them I am not troubled nor have not been troubled with the diarrhea much this summer

 

Love to all,

Your Affc't Bro.

C. E. Reed

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