Harpers Ferry Dec 3^d

 

Dear Parents

                                                                                    I will try to write a few lines to you this evening to let you know of my health I am as well as usual with the exception of a cold which has been quite bad but is a great deal better now. I have not any news to write so I thought this half sheet of paper would answer for this time. Walker got a letter to day from Ella dated the 17^th of Nov Ella said that Julia was coming down here with Pa and her I should really like to have her come if you can spare her and I think you can

 

            We got a letter from you yesterday stating that you had got hold of that box you sent us so long ago I was very much pleased to know that that you had got it for I had given up all ideas of any of us ever seeing it if you undertake to send us any thing again you may leave out my hat and put in an old wollen shirt one good enough to last this winter will do for it will have to be thrown away when spring returns

 

            We expect to draw new pants and a new dress coat in a few days The coat will come real good for these blouses are hardly sufficient to keep us warm at this season of the year

 

            Elmer Johnsons health is very poor he tried to get a furlough / but did not succeed so he is going to try for his discharge and I guess he will get it It seems curious that one can get his discharge easier than he can a furlough but so it is Elmer did not want a discharge in the first place he thought if he could be home a couple of months he would fully recover his health and return a well man but the doctors thought he had better go to the General Hospital and Elmer has got a great dislike for hospitals he has tried them so much he knows just what they are I do not know that he has any particular disease about him only that he is rundown very much so he looks almost like a skeleton he only needs northern air and northern food

 

            I have been writing this letter on our dining table and have got it very dirty. You must not expect anything else from a soldier for they are a dirty set generally speaking I have not time nor ideas to write more so you will excuse this poor miserably written sheet. this from C.W.P to the loved ones at home

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