Evening 9 O'clock

 

Q.M. Office 3^d M^d Battn

Before Petersburg V^a

Dec 19^th 1864

 

My dear Hester

                                    It is now some six days since yours of the 9^th came to hand, but my business & duty has been so urgent that I have not had time to write a single line. I have not written home in about two weeks and I expect Mother is almost crazy to hear from me. I intend to write this evening as soon as this is finished

 

            Since my last I have been doing Staff Duty I was off with the expedition of the 9^th Corps that went to the aid of the 5^th Corps while on their late raid and was on the march during that heavy snow / storm last week. we returned last Friday after an absence of five days and it was the hardest march I have experienced for some time. on my return I had make out my November accounts and yesterday I was buisy issuing clothing. Sunday makes very little difference in the field. we frequently have more to do on a Sunday than any other day in the week Lt Col Robinson has been promoted to Col for gallantry in the fight of Augt 19^th on the Weldon R.R.

 

            I'm afraid I will not get home until the latter part of January or the first of February next. My services are so valuable at present that I cannot be spared. there is no / one here to take my place if I go away I had set my mind on being at home this Christmas and New Years but I now see that such a thing is impossible, but it cannot be helped. Uncle Sam is a hard boss sometimes or rather not Uncle Sam exactly but his heads of Departments and we must give into him

 

            According to all accounts all our armies have lately won some brilliant victories. what a glorious campaign Genl Sherman has been through the heart of the enemies country. how I wish we had gone back to our old Corps instead of joining the 9^th that we might have been with him during his late campaign I think our prospect is brightening / and who knows but what we may go home yet by spring. surely this must be the beginning of the end and the sooner the end comes the better

 

            Well I am about run out of subjects to write upon and it's so very dull here that I dont know what to do when my business for the day is o'er to amuse myself.

 

            Remember me to all your folks and tell Sarah she will have to keep you some time if she keeps you until I get home. with my love to you I close

                                                                       

Remaining Yours as ever

Bob

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