Oct 25^th 1863                                                                                     

Washington D.C

           

Dear Parents

                                    Once again I sit down with my portfolio on my knee to write a few lines to you this sunday evening to inform you that we are all well excepting Hice he is no better than when I last wrote you He went to the Regimental Hospital this afternoon by order of the Doctor. He says Hice has a fever but dont say what kind of fever Hice was taken sick on the 22^nd after being on guard the previous night. He says that he took a heavy cold in the first place and thinks that is what started his caused his sickness at first / his appetite is real poor and he dont eat scarcely anything and sleeps very poor nights Last night I slept with him and he was very restless all night long getting but very little sleep. I will see him again before mailing this letter and find out how he feels

 

Your kind and welcome letter came to hand this afternoon and it pleased me to know that you were all well You spoke of being down to Ithaca and seeing Ann Lane there was it for pride that Ann had her teeth all pulled out or was it to avoid the draft in either case I think she will have a hard time of mumming it for a spell or untill her / gooms get hardened a trifle dont you think so. You also spoke of seeing Georgia Anna Cantine there. You have never told me before that she was teaching school and I had not heard that she had ever had any trouble at home and I do not know who you mean when you speak of an Earl boarding there Let me know in your next who he is

 

I have seen the fire companies at Ithaca that you spoke of when out on Parade but it is nothing in comparison to some nights we see in the Army where you can see one continual stream of soldiers passing without cessation for days and nights together which was the case when on the Maryland march I wish you could see the / U.S. Marines that are here in the city have one of their Dress Parades once. Each man has to have his boots blacked and brasses scoured up clean and not a dirty spot on their uniform which is of the gayest kind and then they are so well drilled besides so that they make a splendid appearance besides they have as good a band as there is in the service of Uncle sam and I think the best one that there is which is saying considerable

 

            The bugle sounds for roll call so good night From your Son Charley. W

            to his friends at home

 

Oct. 26^th Monday afternoon 1½ P.M. I have been over to see Hice. He is no better yet. He is pretty sick, and is loosing flesh very fast I will write tomorrow or next day If you see Uncle James's folks let them know about Hice

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