Head Qrs 3^d M^d Vols

Anderson, Tenn

December 13^th 1863

 

Dear Hester

                      Your welcome epistle of Nov 30^th has been received and you cannot imagine the pleasure it gave after perusing it, to learn, that that little affair has been settled to your entire satisfaction. You certainly acted right to inquire into the case, but it cut me to the "quick" to think that you suspected me of being base enough to play such a mean trick upon you: especially as you are so well acquainted with my folks. but as the case is set right once more I think it's best to drop the subject altogether and take up one more agreeable

 

Since our correspondence ceased I have had a severe attack of the Blues (my old complaint) and your / letter was better than any medicine I could have taken for it as it produced an effectual cure and "Richard is himself again". I sincerely trust nothing will turn up again to stop our correspondence. It was a great relief to me to get out of poor crestfallen Virginia and to get here among a decent people; the people here are not like the inhabitants of Dixie who hate the sight of the Union soldier and who bar all their doors and windows when the "Yankees" are around. but they are a good Union people and do all they can to be agreeable, which make soldiering rather a pleasant job than otherwise. we are having good times with no drills or parades to bother us and in all probability we will stop here till spring and perhaps longer. Our Regiment is at present guarding the Nashville & Chattanooga R.R. from Anderson, Tenn. to Stevenson Ala a distance of ten miles. the duty is very heavy the / men being on guard every other day. we have good quarters plenty of "hard tack" and salt junk and also plenty of clothing taking all things into consideration I think we are about as well off as any Regt in the service. Our Armies are doing admirably now and if we meet with no reverses I'm confident that this "cruel war" will meet with a speedy termination. The late victories of the Army of the Cumberland need no comment they speak for themselves; and I'm sure they must have made Jeff and his adherents tremble for the success of their arms. Our little army (Gen Hooker's) has won more laurels, and have shown the Army of the Cumberland a sample of their prowess.

 

I have a great notion to re-enlist as by doing so I can get a thirty days furlough also a large bounty and then if the war ended soon I would have a little capital to start with at home. Mother does not like the idea of me reenlisting but still I think I will 

 

Now as I have given you all the news I think I will bring my letter to a close hoping soon to hear from you I close               

 

Remaining as ever

Yours

Bob

 

Address                                                                                   

            R. S. Stedman

            1^st Sergt C^o C. 3^d M^d Vols

            1^st Brig 1^st Div 12^th Corps

            Army of the Cumberland

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