Va Dec 7 1862

Camp near Falmouth

Opposite Frederik(sburg

                       

Dear Mother

                        I suppose you are anxious to hear from me. I am still in good health as also is Gill. We are having cold weather just now. The mail has just come I received yours and Charley's kind letter dated the 30^th and was happy to hear from you and that you are well that picture of Martha's is a good one. It commenced to storm on friday and soon turned into a snow storm It snowed about three inches, and yesterday and to day has been very cold which puts us in mind of New Hampshire. We lay comfortable nights in our tent we have got it logged up and there is four of us we have cedar boughs spread on the ground then a rubber blanket / and a woolen one then we have two blankets over each two of us and also our overcoats. I wrote a letter last saturday the 29^th and one wednesday the 3d. There is some talk that we are to move soon. When you send any papers out it is a good plan to put some tea or some such thing in it you can make a little bag and pin it in the paper. That is the way Ed. Emerson has it sent out The papers come into camp daily but they cost high ten cts for the New York Herald and Philadelphia Enquirer and five for the Baltimore Clipper I have read the President's Message. what do you think of it I spoke in my last letter about that box I think you had better send it as it probably reach me some time. You can put in what you think I would need. I would like one or two pocket handkerchief and a bottle of Hawkes Stimulant, a couple / of pair of socks be sure and pack the things snug. I wished you would send me out some kind of a handkerchief for my neck in the next letter you send out the boys have things sent out in newspapers. I sent in a requisition for clothing about three weeks ago but have not received them yet. Please send me a little cayenne pepper in your next letter, as I have not received that letter that you sent some in yet. I do not think of much more to write you of course hear the war news. Write all the news you can tell the neighbors to write give my love to all give my respects to Uncle Charles's family and tell them to write My love to all Charley Albert Sumner Eddie from your affectionate son

                                                           

William

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