Before Petersburg V^a

Jan 16^th 1865

 

My dear Hester

                                    Your favor of the eleventh has just been received and I hasten to answer it. although you must have received my last ere this, I can heartily appreciate your desire to see me I am just as anxious to see you once more, and have made up my mind to get a leave of absence as soon as I get off this months returns which will be about the tenth of next month. there is one thing however about it that I do not like, and that is I have got to tell a big lie in / order to get home which is that I must have a sick father, mother or wife so I have decided to say (do not laugh at the excuse) that I have a sick wife at home unless I do so it is useless for me to try and get home. so what do you say about it if it does not meet with your approval I will not do it.

 

            I am sorry to say that I have not had a sleigh ride this winter; sleighing is something that has never been known in this country. the coldest days here are no colder than those of November at home. but still we feel the cold very much as the summers are so much warmer than those of the north.

 

            I do not see what objection I could have at your remaining / especially as you enjoy yourself so much there and my earnest wish is that I may soon join you there.

 

            I am getting finely just now; I am taking lessons on the banjo and if nothing happens expect to become a good artist on that instrument one of these days. my health for the past week has been very good.

 

            I received a letter from mother about three days ago, all the folks were well at that time. Mother has sent me a box of good things which I expect to receive this week.

 

            All is quiet in our front. no signs of a move in fact I do not believe there will be any moves except raids before the spring campaign opens which will be about the first of May 

 

Did Lieut Hedges call on you if so what do you think of him; to-morrow will be a very buisy day with me as I must draw and issue clothing to the Regt so it is time I brought this somewhat lengthy epistle to a close. so with my love to you

                                                                                               

I remain

Yours devotedly

Bob

 

Excuse the writing

                        R.S.S.

SOURCES