from time to time many copies of New York papers containing much news which was very interesting to me. it was a pleasure to me to read their pages of valuable information, which, if it had not been for your kindness I would have never known. I am very much indebted to you and I am sorry that I cant send you something better in return than this poor letter those eagles you sent me are very neat and appropriate for the "Yankees" as the F.F.Vs call us one of them is to be perched on my crossbelt and the other on my cap. And I will take the first opportunity to exhibit them to the secesh as a "Yankee notion"

 

            It will be my highest ambition to protect and keep bright and unsullied as themselves the honor of the proud nation of which they are the emblem. A rumor came in yesterday that a fight is in progress at Bowling-green I hope Buell is giving them Hail Columbia. I have just now heard that Genr^l Reynolds is in town and that there is a fight going on at Hancock on the B. & O. R.R. near Martinsburg we have been ordered to cook three days rations and be ready in the morning I understand that there is four Regiments going. there is something up that is certain the boys are teasing around yelling with joy at the news. it is night and if you were here to see them around the fires, you would take them for a lot of "common [?]" rather than the respectable young men of the 5 Rg^t when I commenced to write this half sheet all was quiet now it is the reverse. so you see how quick the scene changes with us sometimes.

 

            My respects to Mrs Preston hoping that you are all very well

                                               

I am with great respect your sincere friend and obt. servant James Clarke

 

Mr E. Preston Esq                   

 

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10 P.M. snowing very hard I think we will have a rough time tomorrow on the march

 

good night and joy be with you

JC

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