Cantonment Hicks Maryland Jany 28^th 1862

 

Dear Sister,

                                    I received your letter last night and was sorry to hear that Henry did not get any better. I hope he will be able to go about his business soon. I have received letters from Father Lizzie and Susan Ann since I wrote to you. they were all in good health. Lizzie said that she was coming up to Massachusetts on a visit in a short time. I wish that I could be there at the same time, but then that is impossible. we cant get any furloughs now. there were so many furloughs applied that they were forced to stop them all togeather. I will tell / you off an instance that happened to a fellow in our C^o. he received a letter last night from a doctor in North Bridgewatter stateing that his wife was very sick. they did not expect her to live but a short time and told him that if he wanted to see her alive that he must come home imeaditaly, and requesting him to show it (the letter) to the Officers. he went to the Col. and handed him the letter and asked him for a furlough. the Col. told him at first that there was no possible chance for him to get home, then after thinking it over a short time, he told him that he would do the best he could for him. he gave him a pass to go to Washington and see Gen. M^cClellan. his pass has got to be signed by Gen^l Abercrombie Gen^l Banks and Gen^l M^cClellan. / I dont know wheather he will get it or not, but I hope he will, for he is a good steady fellow, and it would be to bad if they did not let him go! About the money that I was going to send you, I guess that I shant send any this time, as I want to use the most of it. I have bought me a watch, which I gave fourteen dollars for. I wanted one very much, especialy when I am on guard. I have to have one then, and I have borrowed until I got sick of it. My watch is a Patent Lever Hunter (Silver) so I shant be able to send you any money this time. it is almost time for the mail to go and I must close. Write as soon as you can and tell me all the news. give my respects to all and accept this from your

           

Brother                        William.

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