Washington Arsenal D.C.

 

Dear Wife,

                        Your last letter was recd only yesterday, and you cannot imagine how anxious I was about you, not having heard from you for so long. I wrote my usual letter on Sunday, trusting to hear from you the next day, but my disappointment was great when the mail carrier returned with nothing for me. However I was greatly relieved when I did get it. Benny is much worried about not hearing from John. He has recd no letter for 10 days. Will you oblige him by calling there, to see if all are well, and advise us at as early a period as possible. Benny recd another box from Beeksboy today packed full of good things. It was quite refreshing to taste butter once more, it brought to our recollection the "scenes of our boyhood". All continues well with us. the health of the Company improving. The weather is cooler. Yesterday morning we were visited by a tornado. We feared at one time our whole camp would be swept away. Such dirt! It is a filthy hole here at best, but when stirred by the wind, it is dreadful. The blow commenced about 5 o'clock in the morning, and when we were forced to rise, the dirt and dust was over our blankets about 2 inches deep! We had to clean house to make ourselves comfortable. Col. Ellmaker is after us again. I recd a letter this afternoon. The Regiment is at Hagerstown, and he orders us to join him as soon as possible. As we have no Company here to relieve us (nor do I believe one will be ordered here) I cannot obey him. This is the third time I have recd orders from him which I have been compelled to disobey. He says, he "wants me and my command very badly—" but I cannot see it in that light. If I receive orders from Col. Ramsay to go, we will pack knapsacks, but not before.

 

                        We are very busy just now preparing our Muster Rolls and pay rolls—In these, we are obliged to be very particular, as a slight error could cause much trouble.

 

                        On Monday Dolbies called to see me and on Tuesday Mr Lee. Both were very pleasant and / kind. I trust your fears regarding the whooping cough will prove groundless. Roly and Amy, dear little souls, how I would like to see you all. I wish I was certain of remaining here for some time, wouldn't I have you down here to short order. But as matters are uncertain and I may be ordered to the Regiment, I dare not think of it. You were speaking of my coming home on Christmas—A stringent order has just been issued, providing that no officer or private will be allowed furloughs, unless in case of sickness, and not then, unless the Post Physician, declares on oath, that he believes the party will die unless ordered home. So you can suppose how much chance there is for one. I send you some pictures—how do they look? I will have Lieut. Logo's next week. Give my love to all, Kiss babies and believe me to remain as ever your

Affectionate husband

 

Oct 23/62                                           

 

Andy

 

P.S. Midnight—Officer of day again.

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