Head Quarters Ohio Vol. Recruiting Service,

Columbus, O., December 23^rd, 1863

 

Friend Jack.

                        yours of the 18^th inst. was recd. last sunday and found me in usual good health; (or: in as good health as usual: just as you are amind to take it). I was pleased to hear from you and to learn that you are in good health, and enjoying yourself among your friends; but sorry that you are not meeting with better success in recruiting; however, it dont make much difference if you dont get any recruits, it would not be any particular benefit to you (I dont suppose) while it would only decrease the number of Copperheads to be drafted. they are determined to stand the draft are they? Well. I hope they will not have long to wait: dont you? but I understand they are going to put it off for 20 days. I hope they will not—you know it was appointed to take place on the 5^th of next month.

 

            Your request was cheerfully complied with: though whether it will affect anything or not I do not know. I spoke to Major Skiles today, about getting you ordered here on duty, and he said he would see about it. / I should be pleased if you could get detailed in the city, and will do all I can for you. Major Skiles made the remark that if you was a good penman he could find plenty of employment for you as a clerk. as clerks: that is. Soldiers that are fortunate enough to be able to write a tolerably fair hand are in considerable demand now at this post. I will not promise that I will get you ordered here until your time is out, or until the supt sees fit to relieve the whole party, but I may possibly succeed in getting you detailed after you report here on your way to the regiment. You dont like the Recruiting service, dont you? Well, I should not think it was a very pleasant business: especially when men are so hard to get. I wish I had never been detailed on that duty it might have better for me (pecuniarily at least) if I had been allowed to remain in the field: and then again, I might have been dead and rotten by this time—nobody knows. I am having pretty good times here, was to a dance last night and enjoyed myself pretty well. I go to a dance about every week now, there is plenty of them here. we expect pretty good time here next friday, plenty of ways to spend money. Hugh Mullen and Carmichael of Co "G" were here in the office the other day: they were on furlough; Rummey looks fine. Bully for the Drum Major. Hoping you will write soon. excuse bad writing mistakes &c. and wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year: I remain Your Friend

                       

and fellow soldier W^m C White

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