Camp Pendleton Dec. 9^th. '62

 

My dear Sister:

                        It has been but a day since I mailed a letter to Howard but as I may not have a chance to write again for some days I will pencil you a few lines this evening. I was very glad to receive a letter from you last Saturday but sorry that you were making yourself unhappy on my account. Of course at all times you will feel somewhat anxious as to my welfare but it will do no good to worry, you must make up your mind to take it all calmly. there may be times when you will not hear from me for weeks, this you must expect. I have been through with one hard march, / another time I shall go much better prepared than I did then and think I shall be able to stand it as long as any of them. In battle we all stand the same chance, some fall but many more escape. I hope you will make up your minds to this effect, at first it will seem hard but soon you will learn to take it calmly.

 

            I suppose that we are now under marching orders and 24 hours from this time may be on the road. Which way we go no one but our Gens. know. Today it is reported that quite a force is in the river, it has just arrived from Ft. Monroe and it will cooperate with this army. As far as health is concerned I never was in better marching order. I have learned how to take care of my feet and think I shall take this march quite easy.

 

When I wrote to Howard it was quite cold but to-day we are having mild weath- / er again.

 

            You must continue to write just the same for we may not be gone many days, we take but ten days rations with us. Should I have a chance to mail you a line while away I shall do so but probably I shall not.

 

            I received your line and Roscoes letter last night, also the "Banner" and the "Democrat".

 

I have time to write no more, write often, with love to all I remain

                                                                                   

Your aff. brother

Charles

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