Camp Pierpont                       

Thursday Nov 14^th

                       

Dear Father

                                                I have just received your welcome letter I am sorry that I have kept you waiting so long for letters but to tell the truth I have felt so unwell that I did not feel like writing.

 

It is now over three weeks that I have been unfit for duty but I did not like to be on the sick list as long as I was able to go about for there are so many thought to be imposters who are unfit for duty but can run about over the country visiting different regiments about here. I done field duty part of the time, and attended to the duties of my office in camp with the exception of calling the roll at 9 oclock P.M. had to go to bed nearly every night about 6 or 8 oclock on account of headache.

 

For a few days before I was elected I felt very well but I was very caustic but I got my bowells moved that was the cause of my feeling better. But I took diarrhea I had it very bad until yesterday when I got it checked I had chills and some fever. The Dr says I narrowly escaped having a course of billious fever but will be well in a few days now I feel quite weak any exertion tires me very much. When I wrote that letter telling you of my election I was so weak that I could scarcely sit up long enough to write what little I did. 

 

I wrote to Elsie to tell you to get me a sash I told her what kind of a one to get. Better get a good one if it does cost more as an inferior one will last but a short time when I would have to get a new one. J. M. Little & Co are making my uniform and are to send it to me by express, and if you give the sash to him (J. M. Little) or to Mr Watts they will send it in the same package it will have to be done soon. They will charge me 40.00 for coat, pants & vest, it is about $10.00 cheaper than I could get it in Washington. besides they will wait until next pay day for their pay. I received $40.00 last pay day, but I will have to buy a sword, belt, and other expences I mean to get a U.S. Cavalry sabre, I think I can get one and belt for $10.00.

 

            This thing of being Lieut is expensive at first, but the pay and allowances amount to about $100. pr month.

 

I think that as soon as I get well I can go through with the duties satisfactory. no more at this time

 

I remain your affectionate Son

J. S. Winans

 

Dr J. Winans

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