Camp near Potomac Creek V^a

March 13^th /63.

 

Bro. Willson

                        Having come off picket yesterday evening I was pleased to find a letter in camp from Sister Lizzie. She says the folks are all well. I am glad of that. She speaks of having seen Jno. Snyder. He I hope is enjoying the repose of civil life with health and all the blessings which such a life can afford. Mother I hope is well, she must not feel too much disappointed because I am not at home. You must all be satisfied with things and be glad they are no worse. I have not much to write and this is written only to let you know that I am in midling health and midling / only for I have been out on the picket line for the last three days and three nights and have got a very bad cold and am stiffened up in the joints considerably. I feel cold, hungry & sleepy today. We could see 3 brigades of "Johny Reb's" cavalry across the river but they did not come over, though we expected an attack from them. All is quiet today up to this time—noon—

Your school is out. I am pleased to learn that your exhibition proved a success. Did M^r M^cClurkin really attend it? Did he give you an address? How times will change! The time was when a Covenanter or the child of one dare hardly say "beans" in that school. Nobody "Darst" but us and Albins'; How changed!! I am pleased at the change. /

 

            Well Jimie I wish this woeful war was over but it looks to me as if there was no end to it. However the darkest hour is before day. O that the day would soon come!

 

            I dread the marching this summer. I fear I'l not stand it. I shall stick it however as long as I can.

 

            You must write to me often and let me know how you all get along.

 

            Give my love to all the folks; to Uncle's in particular. Be good to Mamma. If ever you get into such fixes as I have been in you will then know the value of a mamma. Let me know how Aunt Mary Jane gets along and tell Sarah Walker / that I look for a long letter from her full of fun, some of these days soon

                                                                                   

I will now close

for this time.

                                                                                   

Yours "with power"

J. D. Baker

 

P.S. Do you ever hear aught of that B. V. Mag Thompson?

 

J. R. W. Baker

                                                                                                J. D. Baker

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