Baltimore Md.            

Sept. 25 1865

                       

Dear Sister.

                                                If I have waited long enough I will go to work and answer a certain letter of yours received a week ago last summer or there abouts. I write so few letters now I hardly know whether I have any to answer or not.

 

            I believe there are several unanswered lying in the drawer at present. One from Ed Wilcox and another from M.T. Cook and another from a new correspondent—T. W. D. Lewis of Sec. R.I.V. notoriety. T. W. D. is a pretty regular and constant correspondent 

 

Matters and things at these Hd. Q^rs go on pretty nearly after the same fashion. on guard pretty nearly every day. Come off this morning but expect to go on tonight at the burnt Commissary. Pity the fire hadnt made a clean sweep.

 

There has been several attempts by the prisoners in the slave pen to make their escape in the last two weeks. Three made the plan work, and half a dozen did not, the night not being quite dark enough to hide them. The sentinels have been posted in other places so they can watch the top as well as around the doors and windows. One is stationed after dark at the foot of my bed with a loaded gun and orders to shoot any of them trying to get away. Ayers and Ault. have gone to Fort Delaware in the State of Delaware this morning / with two prisoners, to be put in confinement there. Prisoners are sent all over the country, some as far as N. Carolina. I would like to take one of that kind of trip. Three mounted orderlies that have been doing duty here were relieved yesterday and started for Salt Lake City. quite a trip to take.

 

At the Holliday St. Theatre Arrah na Pogue—or the Wicklow Wedding is in full blast. It is pretty good but I do not like it so well as the Ice Witch. It's an Irish drama: and upon the night of Arrah's Wedding the bridegroom sings the song we used to know as "For the Wearing of the green" I have heard Ma sing a good many times and very likely she remembers it now I had forgotten the most of it though the last—the end of each verse and that part of the tune I recollected yet. It has now become a popular song here 

 

Hobart sent me a receipt of Adams Express Co. yesterday for a package, probably containing my overcoat. I went to the Office this morning but it was not there. likely it will come sometime to day. Dont you think Mr Hobart was so kind and condescending as to pay the freight on the concern.

 

            It is beginning to be rather chisselly mornings so that an overcoat would feel comfortable. I am a good mind to have my white blanket sent out after a while with what other tinware and eatables you have lying about loose. I think a little butter would find a market. Its fifty cents here but then its real stout and strong and a little goes a good ways, so that it is cheap at that price. I think I will stop writing now as dinner is ready. Wont you draw up your chair? Please find enclosed a $20. Greenback. Write again in two or three months. L. C. Cook.

 

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I believe we are now hundred day men better have the biscuit and butter ready and pie and cheese too. L

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