Camp Near Navy Yard Washington D.C

                       

Dear Parents

                         I will try to pen a few lines to you this afternoon but will not be able to mail it before tomorrow because to day's mail has gone out. We are enjoying pretty good health with the exception of a slight cold as you say which I must have taken while I was on guard. The report is that one of Co. B boys has got the small pox. The Doctor thinks it is that but is not certain as yet He was taken out of the hospital and put in a / tent just outside of camp where the Dr will attend him Hice has had quite a pull back for four or five days but is getting along quite well again now He was troubled with a loss of appetite accompanied by a slight fever

 

Last night and this morning we had considerable rain but it has cleared off warm and nice and the ground is drying up finely so it seems real pleasant and comfortable this quiet afternoon This climate is a great deal nicer and steadier than that of York State and I believe healthier To day it is so warm that we dont need any fire and I have had my coat off nearly all the afternoon 

 

I received a letter from you to day and one from you and Daniel & Julia day before yesterday all of them good letters and all letters from home find a friendly welcome. Some of the boys have reenlisted for three years longer what do you think of that Five of this Company have reenlisted and as many from each of the other Companies and there are quite a number of others that I think will enlist before the fifth of January. None but those who have been in the service two years are allowed to reenlist so I will have to wait a spell to bad haint it Whew big talk for a boy 

 

In your previous letter you gave us a polite invitation to come home and spend Christmas with you. Well I hardly know what reply to make you but I guess you will have to excuse me for not partaking of your fine turkey this time I have lost all appetite for turkey and chicken and biscuit butter & honey and such things you know I always disliked the looks of them and put them quickly out of sight I suppose you know where I hid them dont you. I will answer bubs & Julias letter soon Good bye for this time

 

From Charley

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