Norfolk, Va.

Dec 27^th 1863

 

Dear Mother                                                                                                   

 

                        We have just returned from a raid which we started on the 5^th of this month and as it was attended with a great deal of danger I thought it best not to mention in my note containing the money to you. By the way I want you to use the whole of it for yourself in comforts for yourself or others according to your judgement. I do not intend to make money by my country's service or sufferings. I have laid up nothing hitherto and do not expect to more than pay my old debts for a year. I received your kind note on my return it had been waiting some time for me but I was right glad to get it 

 

E.A.'s health held out wonderfully but I had chills right along for a week. I was in the saddle every day during the time and think my general health is improved after getting rid of the chills. A new phase of warfare was opened to my vision and I must say rather a revolting one on this raid but as I have never been blessed with a square open fight since entering the army I have to content myself with the nearest approach to it or guerilla warfare. I am glad to know that Albert Angell is well and doing well, long may he wave for the sake of his pretty little family. The 4^th Rhode Island are under Getty's command some 8 miles distant from any of our camps and I could not visit them without a special permission from Gen. Barnes but if it is important enough to do so I will obtain the permission. The weather has been clear and very cold for a long time. I do not know how low the thermometer gets here as I have never seen one but it is clouding up today and I think our rainy season will begin. We had quite a lively Christmas in Norfolk Parades &c Theatre in full blast & Ball & Fair in Portsmouth. Our dinner table sat eight people. The Genl., Ellen Lieut's Hayward & Allen Q.M. Drayton & wife Q.M. Frank Scudder & myself the eve was passed quietly at home & sleepily by myself as I had been riding in the cold wind in the P.M. By the way I nearly forgot to tell you that I your youngest have been elevated another peg in the military line. The very day of my return from the raid I was appointed Inspector General of the Brigade at the urgent request of several officers in / the same, for which I feel very grateful and shall try as ever I have done to merit the billet and do my duty to the country.

Ellen came out here with expectations equivalent to those of Mrs President Lincoln but I regret to say that they have suffered so much curtailment as to injure the disposition of madame and cause a corresponding discomfort to her retainers. With kind remembrances to all North Providence and part of Johnston

I remain ever your affectionate son

                                                                       

Walter H.

 

A Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to Mary's family. I wish E.J. were in the army or departments out here as there is a likelihood that we shall stay here a good while and life here is quite cosmopolitan.

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