Decem 28/61

Benton Barracks Mo

           

Dear Mother I now take opportunity to write a fiew lines to you to let you know that things are all right in general I received your letter to day I was very glad to get that likeness. I sent up my picture the other day you will provably get it before you get this letter the picture looks just like me I think when I had it taken I had the fore piece of my cap turned up I have not much to write in this letter I told you all the news the other / time you can answer this you kneed not answer the other without you are amind to but I want you to answer this as quick as you git it the Col of the first Reg is dead that is Col Week thare is about 20 men goes out of the hospitle every day dead I never have been in thare yet I am well now I drill every day but I have not been on guard not since the first of Decem the first day I was on that was sunday and awful cold I have taken up 34 dollars worth / of cloths they will last me a year or more. we are allowed 42 dollars worth a year we have our blankets and over coat that will last us three years

 

I am out of news pleas hand this letter to Mary Anice and let no one see it no more this time from your son

John Beach

 

Pleas write just as quick as you git this

 

I was dancing about five minutes ago we have a dance every night

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