Camp Zollicoffer

Feb 22^nd

 

Dear Grace

                                                Your fourth letter, as you say, was received some days ago, but from various reasons I have been prevented from answering it before. I am again at Camp Zollicoffer, as you will see by the date of my letter. There are fifteen from each company detailed evry nine days to come down here, to stand piquet, about fifteen miles from here, and about thirty five miles from our new camp. it was too to piquet from camp, so / these 60 men are sent as far as this camp, where a part of our tents are left, and we stay nine days and then are relieved. so you see moving about so often keeps me from writing oftener. I suppose Rosa has gotten my letter stating I would be discharged soon. I don't know how long it will be before I get it, it may be very soon, and perhaps a long time. Jimmy Fowler, John Burkett, Preston H. and are coming together. Howell Neystant would not take his. I don't mean to let any of you know when I am coming / I mean to surprise you by coming in some time when you least expect me. I like suspense, don't you? I think I will bring my horse home with me, as I cannot dispose of her. I will get free transportation for both my horse & myself. Cousin Tom intends keeping Morton to cook for him he is a firstrate cook, he does not seem very willing to stay tho'. but Cousin Tom intends keeping him "nolens volens". I don't think I can stay at home long, the outward pressure will be too great, and before long, I would have the Ladies sending me / a hoop skirt, or some other feminine article of dress. You all complain of not being allowed to read my letters, well I will write no more secrets, and a letter may be considered to the family, unless I particularly state to the contrary. I wish my bay mare was at home now, so I could have her to ride when I come. It is still raining, it has been raining now for five or six weeks steadily, and I don't think it will ever stop. All are well, and doing fine

 

Give my love to all

                                                                       

Your aff brother

A R Elmore

 

In haste,                                                                      

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