Packs Ferry Va

June 24^th 1862

 

Dear Brother

                 I received your letter a few days ago and hasten to answer it. I was very happy to hear from civilization again and more so to learn that the folks were enjoying good health. I received a letter from Deloss the same time I got yours and he informed me that Pa & Ma had made a a pilgrimage to Geauga and had just returned. I hope they enjoyed their visit and should liked to have been with them. Deloss said that you intended coming out there in a few days

 

I am stationed at Packs Ferry and have been here for three weeks and expect to remain here for some time to come I am with the Medical Department and Assist Steward of the Regt. Our Assistant Surgeon is from Wooster his name is Barnett and appears to be a perfect gentleman. My health is very good and I enjoy soldiering far better than I did last season because I have nothing to do and have plenty to eat drink and a good bed to sleep in. Our Regiment is very healthy and I am glad that we are among these mountains instead of being down in Mississippi. I wrote to Pa about 3 weeks ago but think you had not received it when you wrote your last.

 

            We are encamped in one of the handsomest places I ever beheld / situated at the foot of an Ever green mountain on the bank of New River which is about 500 yards wide and from 15 to 30 feet deep but you can see the bottom perfectly plain in the deepest place. We generly have a cool mountain breeze but to day it is very warm The citizens here are of the rudest class being uneducated and enjoying blissful ignorance. The women do as much work out of doors as the men and the women and girls all chew tobaco. This may seem queer to you but it is nevertheless true

 

            There is many incidents of the war that would be interesting to you but I cannot content myself to write them, but hope you will except my shortness and not retaliate.

 

            Give my best love to Ma & Pa and except the best wishes of your only Brother

                                                                                               

J. C. Barton

Hospital of 23^d Regmt

Packs Ferry Va

care of                         

Assist Surg of 23 Regt            

 

 

Jack C Barton

Jack

 

My Love to all enquiring friends

 

Write as soon as you receive this

and write as often as once a week

Jack

SOURCES