Camp Orr                   

January the 10^th A D 1862

 

Dear Wife

I take my pen in hand to write a few lines to let you know that I am well at present and hope that these few lines will find you the same I received your letter I was very glad to get it I very near give it up thou i do excuse you for not writing I was sure to get out I have tried evry day very near there is not very many out now but they have got very strict lately I got a letter from Benjamin Forquer I was sorry to hear that he was disappointed / I would rather than anything to be at home then we did not drill that day only dress parade I have got a very bad cold as bad as I ever had it I do not think that you would like to see me in the uniform I think you will laugh when you see the songs but I thought that they were near my case than any I ever seen there is a very fine tune to it to yet I hope that you will excuse me for not writing something of more use but my letters were very slow I feel pretty hungry We have not had enough to eat these couple of days I have bought some cakes which has made a hole in my pocket We had only a small piece for dinner only ten loaves for 80 men no more at present from your affectionate husband William Rees 

 

Willie We have have Missed You

Oh Willie is it you dear safe safe at home

They did not tell me true dear they said you would not come

I heard you at the gate and it made my heart rejoice

For I knew that welcome footstep and that dear familiar voice

Making music on my ear in the lonely midnight gloom

Oh Willie We have missed you Welcome Welcome home

1^st

 

Weve longed to see you nightly but this night of all

The fire was blazing brightly and lights were in the hall

Your father and mother were up till twas ten oclock and past

Then their eyes began to twinkle and they have gone to sleep at last

But they listened for your voice till thought youd never come

Oh Willie We have missed you Welcome Welcome home /

 

The days were sad without you the nights long and drear

My dreams have been about you oh Welcome Willie dear

Last night I wept and watched by the moonlights cheerless ray

Till I thought I heard your footstep then I wiped my tears away

But my heart grew sad again when I found you had not come

Oh Willie We have missed you Welcome Welcome home

 

Willie'll Roam no More

Yes Mary I have come love across the dark blue sea

to your peaceful quiet home love my parents sister and thee

Ive watched and waited nightly for the welcome hour to come

When happily and brightly all the dear delight of home

Should greet my listening ear love upon my native shore

Then wipe away my tears /

 

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Thy tears Mary for thy Willie'll roam no more

Chorus             thy Willie'll roam no more

                        thy Willie'll roam no more

                        Then wipe away thy tears Mary for

                        thy Willie'll roam no more

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