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so fortunate as to return home, I feel as if I never will leave you again, untill necessity compels me to do so. Now Mother, don't let anybody know the contents of this letter. I know my letters are considered family property, but this one is solely to you, and I know you will consider it so. I wrote a long letter to Frank a few days ago, which I directed to Lolla, so that if Frank had gone you all could read the news. We are again moving /

 

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without a grain of corn, or a blade of fodder, and even the men sometimes do not get their full rations. I fare tolerably well, as I eat with Cousin Tom, & sleep with Willie. You know what an aversion I used to have for Willie. I have changed very much, I like him very much now, as well as any of my cousins, and better than some. He has been very kind and oblidging to me, ever since we have been in Va. and has well fulfilled his / words, "Never mind about Albert, Aunt Harriet I will take care of him". I suppose you are in ecstasies over little Harriet. You know I never liked babies, but I think that I can love and play with this one, as much as any of the girls. I would give anything to see her now, as she will change very much before I get home. Now as we will be near the rail-road, we can get things from home, and I would like to have a box, send me some corn beef and sossages. I enjoyed the corn beef I got before very much. You needn't send coffee & tea, as you do when ever you get a chance. they are too expensive, and I can do without / them very well, in fact I seldom drink coffee any how, altho' we get it regularly. I will please you very much, I know, when I tell you, I have stoped smoking altogether, and don't intend to smoke again. I find I get along better without it. I have not smoked now in two months, but would not write you word untill I was certain that I would not break through my resolution. now I am certain, and therefore I tell you. I have written quite a long letter my Dear Mother, and am getting tired, so I will close, with love to all. I will write to Rosa as soon as we get to our new camp, and get fixed.

                                                                                               

Your ever affectionate

Son, Albert Elmore

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