H^d Qrs 1^st R.I. Cavalry

Camp Russell Va

Feb 20^th 1865

                       

Sister Tryphenia

                 Long sheet is it? Snow eight feet no inches deep thawing fast very slopy under foot you received my letter in due season did you? Why didnt you answer it? answer that question. I guess my horse has got chilblains he cant step on either leg. I am going to give him some wooden ones. sold my mule for five dollars own half a cow borrowed her she gives about three pints a day a very good thing in a family where there is small children. glad you have a good opinion of Masons for I suppose you know that your humble servant is a Mason. another good thing in a family especialy soldiers familys joined while at home last winter Fred cant do better than to join, put him up to it. I think Gil Kinsbury has done well for him should like to go and see a good dance any where but East Medway did you speak to Ed Hills wife I have been home on a fifteen day furlough had a very nice time my family are all well, dont know what will happen in time just rec^d good news from sherman he is a brick. how does your said mule get along you ought to ride him instead of a horse perhaps he would do better under / the saddle than in a harness. please send me the wish bone of that turkey supper and some of the whiskey punches that were probaly drank on the occasion my goodies are all gone. when I got back from home I found your long looked for letter also one from John and Sue was very muched pleased to find out that you had not lost the use of your right hand. we are having lots of snow here saw two Ladies taking a sleigh ride in a two horse sled the other day they appeared to enjoy it muchly

 

it is nine Oclock and time to press the feathers so I will close hoping to get an answer from this by the fourth of July give my regards to your worser half and tell him not to peg out it makes bad work sometimes

 

give my love to Asa and Olive when you see them

                                                                       

I remain as Ever Yours

William H Durfee

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