Camp of 50^th NYV Eng'rs Near

Poplar Grove Church Va Jan 2^nd 65

           

Dear Parents

                                    Yours of the 28^th Dec is just received and I am going to answer it right off before it gets cold. We are all well this morning. can you say as much as that of your family Daniel is on guard and has had a cold night of it and I was on the night before but was relieved in the morning so I had all day yesterday New Years to myself but the weather was so cold I did not get far away from the fireplace We had a very good dinner made up of / pancakes & butter and fried cakes or crulls I believe we used to call them besides some fried pork and hot coffee The fried cakes were some of Daniels own make and were pretty good but not quite so good as you can make Mother for he lacked two essential qualities materials & experience and we had nothing but a little pork and beef grease mixed to fry them in nevertheless they were good and the only fault we found with them was that we did'nt have enough of them That box of yours has not made its appearance yet but am in hopes that it will come this week for it is about time I think

 

It is reported here that Wilmington has fallen and I hope / it is true. The news caused great glee among the soldiers and over in a portion of the 2^nd Corps cheer after cheer rent the air. Nothing does the soldiers so much good as to hear of a great victory. The Doctor (Hewitt) gave a New Years supper to some of the men of the Reg't and Jimmie was one of the guests and says they had a fine supper. I heard that Tip Snow was married and has his wife home. Have you seen her?

 

Tell Julia she must write to us as soon as she has a chance and not neglect us much longer I thought it quite laughable to think Pa had been clerking it for Walker and I should like to have been there in disguise to / see what kind of work he made of it, but he is better than most of clerks on one account and that is Pa is honest and they are not and if I was to clerk it for him he would find his stock of cigars diminishing real fast They are retailing here for 15 cents a piece or two for twenty five I will have to close soon for want of news Give my regards to Uncle Johns folks and tell them to write me. Adieu, for this time

I remain your affectionate Son

                                   

Charles. W. Personeus

 

P.S. Did you send me a letter the 23 ult If so it has been lost

SOURCES