Washington DC

January the 19, 1865

 

My Dear Sister

your welcome letter was received in due time and I was much pleased to hear that you was all well it found me in the best of health as this now leaves me and I hope this will find you all in the same state I am sorry to hear that Uncle Williams folks are in so poor a state of health I hope it is not so bad as you have stated it I hope that when you hear from them again they will be better dear sister I am still in the same place as when I last wrote I think their is little danger of being sent away before spring and / perhaps not then, a great many people hear think the war will be settled this spring but it is hard to tell we all thought the same two years ago and was deceived and perhaps we shall be deceived the same this spring no doubt but what the rebels are getting very weak by this time and it is clear to be seen that they cant hold out much longer and I for one hope that they will soon give up for I have seen enough of war and wish for peace once more I think that anyone after haveing been throw what I have would wish for peace the capture of fourt fisher is said to be a great blow to the rebels as is held a very important point all such blows help to finish up the war and the / more I hear of them the better it pleases me for I think I shall have so much less fighting to do if I go to the field of action

 

dear sister you wish me to write as often as possible I will do so for it gives me pleasure to write to you and also to receive letters from you write as often as you can and I will answer all your letters the wether is quite modarate hear now we have no snow we have rain evry day or two this is a great contry for rain and mud we are expecting to be paid of in a few days some time in the fore part of next week most of us are reather short of greenbacks and are looking out impaciently for the pay master a gentelman that amoung soldiers is always welcome 

 

my regiment was engaged in the fight and they are their yet perhaps they will stay for a time in the fort for a while if they do they will have an easy time as long as they stay their well dear sister I have but little more to say this time please give my love to mother and to lewice and to uncle and aunt and to all enquiereing friends and please accept the same your self from your affectionate Brother

                                                           

James Caton

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