Camp near White Oak Church va      

January 10^th    /63      

 

            Dear Will

                                    It is some time since I received your very wellcome letter and I suppose you are quite indignant about it and I cant blame you much either but hold on my boy untill I explain a little in the first place you must know that we have had quite a lively time of it out this way Second we have not been paid off for six months and I was out of writing material and no spends to by any with so it was impossible for me to write any sooner I have been very ancious to know if you have heard any thing more about poor Add since I received that letter of yours I have been thinking every day about Add I cant somehow believe he is dead it continualy runs in my mind that some day I shall see him again oh I do hope so at least for I did like that boy he was the best friend I ever had But Will I dont want to make you build up any fals hopes for I suppose it is only one of my queer whimes but I cant help thinking that he will turn up yet some day he was as brave a boy as ever lived and if thay had given him half a chance I know he would have got well for his nature would not allow him to die in dispair I think Add spoke the truth when he said M^cDowell was a traiter for my part I allways thought he was and allways shall the infernal villian we never would have lost the day at Bull run only for his treachery if some of the privates could be brought up for wittness against him how soon he would be condemed he had better stay away from our Division if he wants to live for there is plenty have sworn to shoot him I know one / Thing I shall never pull another trigger under him if I should go to the Rip Raps for it I suppose Will you will think this is a queer letter and scarcely worth your time to read it but you know I am naturly dull and you cant expect much from me thare is very little going on out here except standing picket occasionaly both Armys appear to be taking things very easey a great many of the Regiments have built winter quarters you would laugh if you could see the different styles of houses we have a splendid little cabin it is raining now but she is water proof nary a drop comes through the roof I tell you Will we are proud of our cabin on the hill if it was not for thinking about our friends and being out of tobacco we could be quite happy and comfortable but thats what is the matter in your next let me know how and where your father is I would like to here from him you must not get mad at me my boy for only sending you a half a sheet of paper but the fact is paper is a scarse articale with me at preasent and now as I have said about all I have to say I think I shall close for the preasent by asking you to give my best respects to all who may take the trouble to inquire after me and particular to your Father and dont forget your self write as soon as convenient and now Will be good to your self and for the preasent

                                                                                                           

good Bye

Charley Cook

Company C

Bloody Ninth Regt

P.R.V.C.

 

N W Lyons

                                                                                              

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