Camp Stoneman

Washington D.C.

Feb. 26 /65.

           

Dear Sister.

                        I suppose some of you will be expecting a letter from me sometime in the course of this week. I have been thinking and wondering all day which to write to this evening and have finally come to the conclusion to write to Sally, is that right. Some how or other I cannot sit down and write a letter of late, as quick and easy as I could when I was a "boy" I dont know whether it is because I have been here so long that I have written everything there is to write or what^s the matter 

 

I was on guard yesterday and it was a rainy day too, but I was lucky enough to get on the police squad and did not have to go out in the rain but once in the daytime and once at midnight, and so had almost all the night in. I found an old acquaintance this morning in the shape of a lieut. who formerly belonged to the 36^th N.Y. Reg^t and had charge of the building of the fortifications at Brightwood Corner. In the peninsula campaign he was promoted, and I think rose to the rank of Captain.

 

Our regiment has got so large at the present time that it makes a splendid appearance on parade. two companies still remain to be filled and if they ever are / we shall have just as good a regiment as was ever raised in any State. Next Saturday (so it is said) we are to be at the inauguration of President Lincoln as "National Guard". We are to turn over the arms now in our possession to the government and receive Sharpes Rifle in exchange, upon the same day. This last item I have upon the authority of the Col. as to being present at the inauguration I dont know much about it. most every body is wanting to go, and we may possibly go. If we do go wont you be there There is to be a grand ball in the evening and I want you to come so we can dance a little Say wont you come all hands. /

 

Speaking of dancing reminds me of a dance that is going on here this evening in the barracks. the gentlemen have just seated their ladies and are now trying to get up a game of whist, so very likely the dance for this evening is over. Our music is Co "B^s" Quadrille Band. 1 pieces, viz. fiddle. we have a pretty good one but a miserable player, it seems some like Jed Bates' playing. We are having pretty warm weather when it is not stormy but it rains most every day Most of the time this winter it has been icy so a fellow could hardly stand It got so it would rain and freeze almost whenever it pleased. I hope we shall now begin to have warm pleasant weather

 

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I wrote to Mary Cook right after I got here and have not heard a word from her yet. Do you know whats the matter

 

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How long do you think the war is going to last the way they are giving it to the rebels now, they have got to succumb

 

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I think you were very wrong in quarreling as you say you have been "and all on a Sunday" too but the conclusion you finally came to (to write to me) fully sets you all to rights.

 

I have should be very happy to accept your kind invitation to take tea with you but as it is I must beg leave very respectfully to decline for the reason that it is not "this week" at the present time but "Next week"

 

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I want Ma to have some one to help her this summer if she is to stay on the farm I will do what I said in my other letter if she will have any body. Lowell C. Cook

 

Co "B" 1^st Reg^t

1^st Army Corps is all that's necessary to put on the letter

 

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I shall answer Lucettas letter in a day or two

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