...School taxation of both body & mind if I were you I would try and avoid the troubles which will accrue from them hereafter. If you feel it necessary to work out I would get some thing as you say that will let the mind rest while the body toils & vice versa and that will be like shifting hands or exercising a different set of muscles What do you think about making Mary a visit this spring We have not been paid yet but we cant tell how soon it may come if you would like some of it or all of it with the exception of what I keep let me know to pay my debts which will spoil almost a month of pay this time You see it has been six weeks since we were paid and we have had apples here to tempt us and I cant help but buy some every day or two some times I eat ten in one day and that costs me 25 cts

 

            Anna has as I expected done well I wish her much joy I send you some of my odd moments in the shape of sketches I hope you will overlook imperfections in the art while I try to give you some idea of our situation I have drawn better of this same scene but the Lieut wanted it and of course I let him have it. I am stoping with three of my comrads in a pigeon house. You will see its location in refference to the house in one picture, and in the other you will see it enlarged without and inside views  and the every day occurrence of dividing our rations with the Negoes I presume you understand the rest My comrads are Harry Grove Thomas Clark & Matice. we have a stove you see that belongs to Wood Harry wishes to be remembered to Doct Way's people hoping that Miss Hellen has not forgotten him Tis spring here very fine

 

[verso: small drawing of men at a table and on a bunk in a small cabin room]

 

...and one thing that I miss is we dont have but very few fleas here and I went to Fort Mitchel last Sunday where there is a doctor and got some medacine for my legs which seem with absence of fleas to help me I may be well enough to go on this expedition If I do I shall try and get some new scenes to send you dont worry about me I shall try and be ready to meet my God where ever it may be Kiss the little one I hope he will be interested with the pictures I have sent and I hope I can be permitted to send you more of a more lively nature I have to work abt 10 hours every day now and I dont get time to write to all will you write to Mary and give such things as will interest her such as two sketches and I will write to you as often as time will alow Believe me still true and I hope a better man than when at home From James

 

[verso: picture of the above cabin room expanded to show the entire pigeon house]

 

This room is about 8 by 10 inside I have not mentioned this the negroes carry all their lugage on their heads here I saw one yesterday carrying a kettle and they often carry a wash tub of water in the same way

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