Cromwell Ct. Dec 22^nd 1862

           

My dear Son

                                    Yours of the 14^th was received Thurs. evening. we were quite anxious before receiving it, but were relieved to find that you were not really sick. I am sorry that you continue to have so much of the headache. You must try to avoid everything which seems to have a tendency to promote it, & be careful about taking cold. For your sore throat, you had better get some red pepper & make a tea, as that usually relieves you. You must try to take care of yourself, for it would be bad indeed if you should get sick so far from home I am afraid you will take cold changing your stockings, from woolen to cotton. If you think you have / you had better buy some woolen ones and let the cotton remain till spring. I hope you will get Mrs. Sumner to mend your pants, & if you buy some new ones, you had better get your cousin to help you make the selection. I would not get very expensive ones. I am glad you have such a fine pair of boots. You must supply yourself with what you really need, & I dont think you will spend money foolishly. I wish I could send you a neck tie for a Christmas present but have none, now, & no nice material for making one. How much did you pay for your overcoat?

 

We have had no letter from George since I wrote you last. We dont know whether he has left Loudon Valley or not; I think no intelligence has been received from the 20^th since about the 7^th or 8^th. We are quite anxious to hear 

 

We received a letter from Loomis at the same time with yours. It was written in Fredericksburg the morning before the terrible battle. Whether he survived the days carnage, or not, we do not know. We look at the daily list of killed & wounded with trembling anxiety. We have seen the names of several of the 67^th N.Y. and not seeing his, we hope he is not of the number still we greatly fear, & shall, till we are assured to the contrary.

 

He writes, "In a few days, you will hear the news, either of the complete rout of the enemy, or, that Burnside is no Gen. If, upon reading the papers, you see the name of your dear son among the killed, or perchance the wounded, do not g or more to be dreaded, a prisoner, then do not give way to grief—"All things are well". If I fall it is in a good cause, but I hope I shall come out / all right. I shall, if spared, write and let you know. If I fall, you will be informed by some one of our Company. Now dear Parents, a long & lasting farewell, or a short adieu—

 

Remember me to Frank & George as I will not have a chance to write to them, ere mingling in the fray. In great haste I remain your Affectionate Son Loomis"

I have transcribed this from his letter thinking you would be glad to know how he felt in view of the terrible scene before him. He also sent home a part of his journal for Nov. Loomis is a noble boy—& oh! may our eyes yet behold him. The weather is extremely cold here, has been since last Friday. We are much as usual, feel the cold badly. we have not got coal yet, but intend to soon. I hope I shall get a letter from you tonight. love to all

 

I wish you a pleasant Christmas

                                                                                   

Your own dear Mother

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