Newport News, Va.

January 21^st 1865

 

Dear Mother

                        At last I have your box and its contents safe at hand, for which I am so much obliged, I cannot express myself.

 

It was not my intention that you should have bought anything, as I supposed that I had all the articles I named in my trunk at the old house. I perceive that most of these things are new and I am so much the more indebted to you all. I was much grieved to hear of your illness and should have written immediately on receipt of yours of 9^th inst if I had not waited for the bundle. I am sorry that you had to pay the freight as I did not even expect to put you to that expense. 

 

I have not heard from the General for over a week he was then very well & enjoyed the position he has so long been kept out of by petty enmity. He received your letter containing one from Charlie for he forwarded it to me and I have it now. Poor Charlie contentment seems scarcely ever to fall to his lot. It is pouring down torrents today and has been for 24 hours the consequence is that we are all within doors hovering over the fires as the rains here are quite raw and chilly. I have not seen Mrs Wild since Christmas not going to Norfolk much this month but I believe she is well. We have had over 100 recruits and the month only 2/3 gone. E.J.C and family have my heartfelt sympathy for their troubles and I wish I were there to be of any assistance to you all. Poor Mary does seem to have the luck. I trust that you are all / out of danger by this time although the winter is a bad time for any kind of sickness. I am much obliged to Albert Angell for his compliment, if a few more of the Fruit Hillites could say the same it would be equally pleasing. Do not forget to remember me kindly to the good man, I do not think his talents have ever been fully appreciated in that region.

 

Please remember me to Mr Wilcox and tell him to keep things in good shape for my sake, if not for your own, as I expect one of those bright days when this cruel war is over to call him to account for the same. There is a private here of the 21^st Conn. Vols. named William Beckwith who used to know all the Chas. Whipple family as some of them used to visit him near New London & he afterwards worked at Corliss & Nightingales Works. He likes Providence and its surroundings hugely and likes to talk over his life there. 

 

I am very well, but a little pinched by the cool weather now prevailing. The recent change in the Dept. Hd Qrs has affected everything in the Dept visibly. We feel it even here. All's well that ends well, but alas the mail carrier has come so good bye and 'God Bless You All', separately and collectively is the fervent prayer of your

                                                           

Affectionate son

Walter H.

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