Berwick City, La.

Dec 11^th 1863.

 

My Dear Sis:

                        You see we have, at last, left the insignificant town of New Iberia and have arrived at the famous (?) City which we left a little over two months ago, for Texas, we supposed.

 

We arrived here yesterday, 10½ A.M. I think we will remain here for one or two days, where we can have plenty of oysters, at least, while we await our turn to take the cars for N.O. A Regt or two left at 2 o'clock this A.M., crossed the bay, and shortly after sunrise were en route for Algiers, opposite N.O. It is rumored that we shall go to Memphis to do garrison duty, but I think we shall go to Texas without a doubt. Most of the boys prefer to go there, but I would prefer Memphis, because it is nearer home / and I can the more easily obtain leave of absence from that place if Lieut. Stanley return. (I don't much think he will be exchanged.)

 

            We got a mail yesterday P.M. I reced a letter from you dated 22^d ultimo. You had just heard from us by Mr Blake after of the battle. I think I wrote you the night of the 4^th. I am not certain. But I was busy all day 4^th, for it was pay day and, besides, I had to make out election returns for the Co. The votes were straight Union. One or two wouldn't vote, because they didn't want to be called Copperhead and yet wanted to vote Copperhead. But this judgment may be unjust.

 

I can't account for the great space between the reception of my letters at home, on any other supposition than the irregularity in the mail. On the night of Nov. 4^th I sent Pa $100 by / express and in it or with it a note. I fear he hasn't received it. I guess I will learn by next mail.

 

When I get home you must not cry. I, positively, don't like to see any one do so. I am willing any one should do so, for I know it is an expression of great joy, but I don't like to see it.

 

            Whom would you like best to have in the bathroom George & Jennie, or myself and _____?

 

But this will never happen if I can build. If I can't build, it shan't happen anyhow.

 

            I wish I could have been with you at thanksgiving. Did you have music? I told Tom that his girl was at our house on that day. He said he would give you a blizzard for not inviting him. He said you ought to invite the whole family.

 

Sergt. J. B. Alexander has come back from his furlough, to Oswego, N.Y. and has improved greatly / in health. He is loved by every one in the Regt. Scott is wild as a deer but I think everything of him. He is brave and, consequently, generous.

 

I think just as much, too, of Chauncey Blake. These rough soldiers are all very dear to me. The boys are all well who are with us, 21 in number, with the exception of colds. I have a slight cold, the first for a long time. Well you have all the news and a very dull, uninteresting letter. I am thick headed this morning. You must excuse me for I have no news. I hope we will stop a good while at N.O. so I can have some fun. Write to me as often as you can for I couldn't do without your letters.

 

            Your loving Bro.         Robert B. Crandall

 

P. S. The rose I send was plucked Dec. 9^th/63.

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