Before Petersburg V^a

Feb 5^th 1865

 

My dear Hester

                                    Your kind and welcome letter of the 31^st of Jan arrived this noon and I hasten to reply as I have not written you in about two weeks and I know you are anxiously looking for a letter. Yours of the 24^th came yesterday. The ice in the river has delayed the mail boats considerably lately and I suppose that was the cause of the delay of your letter

 

            I am very sorry you have had such a sore hand but I sincerely hope it will be well ere this reaches you 

 

My friend Lieut Hedges has returned and never called on you, and you may be sure I gave him a good blessing for it. it was him that inquired about you at the Undertakers. I suppose he was too bashful to call on a stranger.

 

            There is no use of me trying to get home without telling a story and it is impossible for me to get home this month unforeseen accidents delay me. here I have been expecting to get off every week since before Christmas and something has turned up to detain me each time but never mind "all for the best" I hope when I do get home I will enjoy it all the more

 

            What do you think?

 

Garrie is out here he arrived here on the first of Feby. he / got him a good situation and one that will pay him well and now if nothing happens I think the family at home will be able to get along some what better than hitherto I hope so at least

 

            Another move is about to take place here, a raid I think, we have been under marching orders and packed up ready to march since the first of this month. it is impossible to say when we will go we may go to night and we may not go at all, but still we must keep ourselves in readiness

 

            Remember me to all the folks and with my love to you

                                                                       

I remain

Yours Only

Bob

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