Camp near Falmouth

Va Dec 3, 1862

 

Dear Sister Martha

            I thought I would take this oppurtunity to pen you a few lines to let you know how I get along as you all must be anxious to know. I am in firstrate health. I received yours and Father's kind letter last friday and answered it on saturday. The Paymaster who is ever welcome among the soldiers paid us a visit last monday (day before yesterday) and left us a few green backs. I received $8.95 a little more than I expected. There were hardly two in the Co paid alike. this with what I had makes me about $14.00 I suppose you will receive I alloted shortly by looking out for it It is now two weeks to day since we came into Falmouth / I do not know how long a stop we shall make here it is rumored that we shall make a rather long stop here. And things seem to have that appearance It is said that there has been a great many Sibley and A tents brought here which looks as though we were to go into winter quarters somewhere in this vicinity. We live a great deal better than we did we have fresh beef, salt pork bacon rice sugar molasses coffee hard tack (Army pies) vinegar salt candles and a sort of pressed vegetables to make into soup, and we have a chance to buy of the Sutlers although I do not spend a great deal at them. You need not send any letter paper or envelopes in your letters as I can get them of the Sutlers I think / it would be safe to send that box, as I heard a man speak to the Col last night in reference to sending a box out. the Col thought it would be perfectly safe to have one sent. He told him to have it directed in his name Washington D.C. in care of Col Harriman 11^th N.H.V. and he said it would be sure to follow the reg't if it marched and he told advised him not to have any thing perishable sent out such as mince pies and to have the things well packed. Of course you understand it. I expect a little clothing from Uncle Sam soon as I have sent in for a pair of pants one pair of socks and two or three other things. We have pretty good weather since we came into this camp we have had a little rain and it / now looks as though we should have a little snow. I have not seen John since we came here, although I understand the Battery is within 2 or 3 miles of here. We have considerable of a force around in this vicinity. I have no occasion to use those pills Father sent at the present as I am in good health and have a good appetite I have got so that I can eat beans pretty well. but my sheet is nearly full. Gill is in first rate health. I am sorry to say that Lieut J. B. Clark is very feeble he has been failing for the last month and he is now down with the rheumatism pretty bad he is in camp but I understand is to be removed to the Hospital. He is a splendid man Capt Dudley is unwell just now. You must tell Mrs Smith / to give herself no uneasiness about Gill as he has a good large tent to stop in as he tents with Lieut Heath they have built them a good chimney and fireplace and have things comfortable. We boys keep busy logging up our tents and fixing things comfortable. The boys but I think I have written nearly enough at present You must write often as it does the boys good to receive a letter from home There are three things that will bring a pretty full company together and that is the mail, rations and the Paymaster. The boys receive a great many things / by mail boots gloves tobacco &c. But I must close as it is getting late excuse this bad writing as it is poor ink My love to all from your affectionate brother

                                    William

           

Dear Brother Charles

I have not written to you for some time but have often thought of you how do things prosper in the mill is Jim Cook andWilson there yet there is one letter that Mother wrote and put in some cayenne that I have not received yet. You must write as often my love to all, Mother Albert, Sumner Eddie and the rest. I will try and write at least once a week

                                                                                                           

William

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