Washington May 9^th

                       

Dear Father

                                                I received your letter a day or two ago. Was very glad to hear from you, and that all were well.

 

            I received a letter from Ary today. He says that he has made arrangements for the purchase of that stock of which he spoke to me of when I was at home. He says that he can get two hundred dollars and that he would like to have three hundred more. I would like to let him have it if possible. If he can secure the stock it will be a help to him. / He can pay me back in payments each quarter. I do not know whether you have any money that is so that it can be lifted or not. If I succeed in getting mustered, I can draw two months pay of which I could let him have the greater part. He will not want it before June 1^st

 

            Please write me what you think of it. I would like to assist him if possible.

 

            We have had much wet weather lately. Our camp has been very muddy and disagreeable. It has been pleasant today, but I think it will rain more soon.

This uncertain weather has interfered very much / with the movements of the Army. We were much surprised to hear of Hooker's recrossing the river. We thought he could not help being successful. It is thought that he will make another attempt very soon. I would not wonder if we were sent to join him soon. There are a great many Reg'ts whose time is expiring now. it will be quite a loss to him and I think that other troops will be sent to him.

 

We have considerable trouble with our men here. We cannot keep them in camp, they will get down town some how. But they behave very well when / in town. I would much rather have staid at Minors hill.

 

It is late I must close

 

Please write very soon

 

Give my love to Mother and the Children

           

I am

Your Affec't Son

J.S.Winans

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