Manassas Junction

Jan 14^th /64

 

Dear Father

                        I received your very welcome letter last evening. It was the first for a month. I supposed that you had expected me home and that was the cause of your not writing. I am sorry that you were all disappointed by my not being at home on New Years. I would have liked very much to have been home. But I can't say that I was disappointed at not getting home. I felt almost certain that Genl Meade would not approve of my going / I think I could get a Leave of Absence now but I can not leave now. Just at this time I have all of my accounts to settle. It is necessary for me to attend to them myself, for I am responsible, and should there be any errors I would have to pay for them. Since I have commanded the company I have made out the originals of all property returns and compared and inspected all papers sent in except once. then I trusted to Lt Hawkins, the consequence was that an Ordnance return was sent in incomplete. No vouchers were sent and all arms &c lost in the battle of Fredericksburg were charged to me, to be taken off of my pay. I sent in a letter / of explanation, I suppose it was satisfactory as my pay still goes on. It takes close watching to keep accounts strait. I am now short about $150. on Gov't property. But that can be made right by affidavits &c. I will come out much better than the majority of Captains.

 

After I get accounts settled I think I will apply for leave of absence. I must go to Frederick City Md. to get some company papers & property, and if I can get time enough I will come home.

 

            We are still guarding R.R. Our duty is very light now. We have not seen or heard of any enemy since we came here.

 

It is thought we will be / mustered out the 24^th of April. I hope we will.

 

It has been quite cold here this winter, much colder than it was last winter but it is moderating now. I suppose we will have a muddy spell now.

 

I received a letter from Elsie a few days ago. I will write soon

 

My love to Mother and the Children.

                                                           

Your affectionate Son

JSWinans

 

[upside down]

 

Jan 14/64

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