Columbus, Ohio

Jany. 17^th 1864

 

Friend Jack:

                        Yours of Dec. 31^st came to hand, as all former communications you have been pleased to favor me with, have, and it also found me in possession of about the same degree of health as usual.

 

            I was pleased to hear from you and glad to learn that your physical health is unimpaired: but sorry to hear that your mental faculties have suffered by the ardent, and perhaps inordinate attention you have been required to bestow upon the fair ones of your acquaintance. Rest assured, you are not alone in your affliction (if such I might term it: though it is rather an agreeable one, sometimes.) I heartily sympathize with you, for I am a fellow-sufferer: but like you, should I be so fortunate as to escape a relapse, I hope to recover from its effects sooner or later. 

 

Well, Jack, I did not succeed in getting you detailed here: I did my best to accomplish it, but it was no go. I presented the case to Major Skiles, and asked him if he would sign a request to Col. Parrott to relieve you and order you to report to the Major for duty, to which he replied in the affirmative, so I got up the document, sent it to Major Skiles, he signed it and sent it to Col Parrott: but the Colonel did not see fit to grant the request, and returned it to the Major with his disapproval endorsed on it;––so that was the end of it. I had hoped that the Colonel would relieve you, but for some reason he would not. I dont know what his reasons were, but I suppose he thought it would not be consistent with his duties or for the interest of the service, or something else. You are welcome Jack, to the efforts I put forth to comply your request, but I am sorry I did not succeed. You are right, I think, in predicting that we would have as good a time together as the next two "blue coats" provided we succeeded in getting together. 

 

Well, how are you enjoying yourself now? I suppose you have not taken to yourself a spouse as yet, have you? how did you spend Christmas and New Years? did you have any dances there? It was rather dry here (as usual during the Holy days) I expected to go to a ball on New Year's eve, but it was such an unfavorable night, being wet and rainy, that I did not think it would be prudent to ask a lady to go, and I have got so that I never go to a ball or scarcely any-place else of good repute without taking my girl with me, but I have almost arrived at the determination not to attend any more balls in Columbus. A friend of mine, and his partner with my partner and myself, attended a festival last thursday evening, given by the Order of Odd Fellows in this city, but it was very much crowded when we got there, and we could not get a dance right away, so we went (about 9 oclock) to another hall in the city where there was a dance going on, but I did not like the crowd and so I did not enjoy myself. I spent 6 or 4$ that night, and had scarcely half an hour's enjoyment, as things did not go off to suit me. so I dont think I will go again very soon. 

 

Jack, how are getting along in recruiting? have you converted one poor copperhead or any-body else to the "true faith and liberty of the" American citizen? that is, I mean have got a recruit yet? tell them the large bounties are continued, by order of the War Dept. and that in all probability there will be no draft in Ohio: provided volunteering continues as active as it has for some weeks past. Recruits are just pouring into the Joel Barracks at this post, almost: they average I presume, nearly or quite one hundred per day. I have understood that there was an order from the War Dept. to the effect that soldiers re-enlisting as "Veteran" could go into any (old) organization or Regiment they choose: that will be an inducement for a great many to re-enlist. there are a great many regiments re-enlisting and coming home—Co "D" of our regt. is still at Camp Chase, I believe, awaiting others. I have a very strong notion to re-enlist and will probably do so soon. Your furlough is nearly out is it not? I suppose you will be here in a short time, and if you wish, I will make another effort to get you detailed on duty here.

 

Well. I must bring my remarks to a close for the present. hoping to see or hear from you soon. Please excuse very poor writing and dont forget to write soon to your friend and fellow soldier & "companion in arms"           

William C. White Co. C 23^rd O.V.I.

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