Camp Near White Oak C.H.

Sunday Jan 31^st

           

Dear Father

           I have not written to you for some time and having leasure I thought I would write to day. We have had some winter here lately. We have had quite a snow, it was about eight inches deep. It has been thawing some every day and the snow is about all gone We were paid four months pay on the 26^th inst I received $475.00. I was considerably in debt. Have paid all up to Feb 1^st I send a check on Bank Beaver Co for $275.00 Clark Hawkins will send it from Washington tomorrow. I would liked to have sent you more but after paying my debts I could not spare more. I run out / of money soon after we came off the Peninsula, and had to borrow and go in debt for everything I got, but I am square now and I hope I can stay so. We will be paid for four months next time which will be in about six weeks. You can use what you need of the money, and the balance put out at interest in some good hands. I would much rather have it lent out than invested in property, for I want it in case I get home safe so that I can get it in readily. When Mr Bradford was here last he offered to sell me his stock in the Bank of Beaver Co. Said he would give it to me at the original value ($25 pr share). What do you think of it? Would it be a good investment? or would it be like Rail-Road stock, hard to dis / pose of. At the time I did not give him an answer but I have been thinking of it lately and thought I would consult you on the subject.

 

It has finally been decided to take us to Washington for a while. We expect to go some time this week. Genl Doubleday (who is our commander) has been appointed Military Governor of D.C. and through his exertions we are to go along with him. I think that when we get back (to Washington) there will be a chance for me to get home for a few days. I will write again when we arrive

 

My love to Mother & the Children

 

I am Your affectionate Son

J.S.Winans

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