Branch Depot in the

field North of the James

Near Gen. Butlers H^dqtrs.

 

My Dear Brother

                        I rec^d yours of the 24^th this evening and as you request a speedy answer you will find me equal to the most this time You mention that you have been thinking of offering your services to the Christian Commission. Now if you should come this way you will probably find me where I am now only a few rods from Gen Butlers H^d Qtrs We are about 8 mile from Bermuda Hundred. If you should join the institution and come here you will probably either go to City Point and the front about Petersburg or else come right up here as there / are none at Bermuda 100 now But you may come by way of Bermuda.

 

I am spending most of my time at drawing and if you should see any scenery that you would like to retain you will come over and get me to stick it on to paper

           

B^r. Charlie and I have frequent visits as we are only about 2 miles apart

 

I think I saw him 2 weeks ago Sunday he was well and hearty

 

            The boys have been drinking and they not only make a great deal of noise playing cards but they dont mind hitting my elbow. I am sorry that men will act so but if you should come down here you may see considerable of it / among soldiers especially in the Engineer Reg.

           

Our table is big enough for sober people numbering only 7. But strong arms makes the wisest fools

 

You will excuse a long letter this time I consider this society a fine thing and like most every thing else it wants an honest and upright people to deal these little delicacies out to the soldiers. I am confident that you would not allow any misdoings where you were. ¶There is musketry this evening between here and Petersburg but we feel confident that the Rebels will fail in their charges Gen. Grant was up here to Butlers yesterday with his Staff 

 

You will please remember me to your little group, and tell the Mother that I am still her Brother, in spite of her making new introductions of humanity with whom she is obliged to divide her affections I am that same little fellow that she used to lead to school and I only wish that I was as innocent now as then

 

But as all of us sin I still have hope By the way I rec^d a letter from Mary this eve mailed the 24^th usually well

 

            I am well I forgot to tell you but on account of the confusion all blunders will be pardonable We had a goose for Thanksgiving U.S. and I was just in receipt of a box from home and all is lovely with me

 

            Good bye all of you The boys break up with a dispute as is usal on drinking occasions I wish it was not dealt out in the army The cards go in the fire I hope if you come this way you will call and see me           

 

Good Bye Yours in

Brotherly love James

 

[top and bottom front margins upside down] I wish you a happy new year.

           

I suppose our letters pass through Baltimore P.O. on the way north

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