Springfield Mo Oct 27 1862

 

            Dear wife Once again I will try to say a few words to cheer & give you a few moments of pleasure They may be rather rambling than other wise as my head is not clear yet but inclined to be light & dizy My lungs seem rather affected yet I feel I am generally improving & will in a few days be all rite again I was in camp most of yesterday but as I am not able for duty nor do not sleep in camp I shall decline going out much until I am able as we are doing but little now only guard duty

 

I have just been down to breakfast & on such a breakfast as I had it would have vomited you to see it & have an idea how it would taste The coffee I tryed but no go the hash do / it had been on the table for the 10 time or more so I had a glas of cider & some auful bread to make out breakfast on & a few chicken bones but this is over as I can tromp around & do better I shall change to day some place Sarah in looking over some of your old letters I find you ask me some questions I do not mind of answering which must be verry perplexing to you but I assure you it was an oversight in me you ask me how I like you getting a whatnot I think you done perfectly right I had intended to do so long ago as to the painting of those pictures I cannot say if it will fully secure them against fade or change it is quite an item & worth attending to There may be other things you speak of I omit to note & mention but you know I get my pen to running & my sheet is full before I think The weather is now / turning off verry fine again & I look for some fine fall weather again Amos will tell you of the snow we had &c The boys say they were all comfortable warm in their tents You spoke of clothes you would bring down when you come if I need I do need some as some villain stole near all my under clothes & socks a short time after I sent my trunk home I had them in an other that was not kept locked I have the 2 shirts you made me & 2 good undershirts & my poorest pair of drawers left I need another over shirt 2 pair drawers 2 pair socks Amos will get me a valise a little larger than that of Irvin's & send them down in it at as early an opportunity as you get them ready Daniels is making some boots for Mann & there is to be a few other things sent him if they are not sent put them to put in the valise & send a long as it will lessen the expense 

 

About your coming down I do not know what to say nothing could give me more pleasure than to have you with me during part our stay here yet the peril of the trip to you the uncertainty of the weather all combine against you yet I have no doubt your energy and will would prevail against all if you think of coming. One thing if you come do not load your self down with knickknacks for any one & further I think you had best get some young married woman to stay with Frankie until your return as it is to loansome for her alone say nothing of the propriety I will leave the matter entire with you to decide do not consider we are here certain in winter quarters but it looks a good eal so now as to spending the money there could be no more pleasure got out of the same amount of money to us both it is the danger & uncertainty to contend with that deadens the pleasure But let me know what you determine on in your next

 

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I guess I can do without arry other over shirt the pair will do for a change & I will have less to carry the others I have forward as soon as possible if not brought as I have no place to put my things only my Haversack which is not very handy Yours truly

O Barnard

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