Camp 36 U.S.C.Infy.

Brazos Santiago Ts

May 21^st 1866

 

'Very Dear Mother'

                                    Yours of 3^d Inst is just at hand and a rare treat it is to me. We have had no mail for 3 weeks and mighty few papers. Our combined health is excellent, Mrs. W. W. has become pretty thoroughly acclimated and a trip to Brownsville drove off the superfluous bile she had acquired since her arrival. You are quite excusable in not making us calls but I doubt if you are in calling us away from the Service before our allotted time. The marriage was duly published in the Daily Springfield Republican of April 4^th and also in the Weekly Republican about the same date. I did not desire it published in Prov. Type as I felt sure there would be a severe 'weeping wailing & perhaps tearing out of false hair' on the part of the 'femail sect' when they read it and thought humanely to spare them all the anguish possible until my advent 'in propria persona'. I am pleased at such good accounts of Brother Charles and hope he will be able to settle as comfortably as before the war Please tell him that I feel quite positive that I traded off the gun for a brass instrument but cannot take my oath to whom. Orin Angell, Ben Swan or Ned Reynolds can tell I guess. 

 

I am really disappointed in Cousin Henry although he he has exhibited miserly traits a couple of times before. If he has not his match in E.J.C. on business I am much mistaken. The Brookline property interests me as much as ever but the truth was I supposed it had been disposed of before this about all of it. E.A. has made a good move in the right direction and I pray that he may succeed. I should like to go into some of the new territories and should do so if I only had some trade to follow but what I can do or shall do upon expiration of service is a rock ahead for me for I do not intend to come home and live on my relations if I can help it. I know that the old homestead is lovely and pleasant at any time when there are contented hearts therein but more especially when nature is in blossom. With ever so much love to all I leave a few lines to my wife to scratch on as you request and remain ever your affec Son—Walter H.

                                                                                   

My Dear Mother,

              Walter has left a few lines for me to scratch on, which I notice are only sufficient for me to send my love, which I do heartily. We are both well and happy, although not living in the happiest part of the world. We hope to hear from you often, as letters are quite a treat here.

                                                                                   

Yours affectionately

Helen

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