Patterson Park Baltimore Md

April 12, 1863

 

Dear Mother

            I now sit down to write you a few lines hoping they will find you in good health We are having beautifull spring weather though it now looks as though we shall have a shower. We are drilled now about four hours a day. I received Martha's kind letter dated the 7^th on the 10^th. And I received a letter from Aunt Harriet on the 9^th and answered it on the same day. I suppose there is considerable snow at Manchester How is Father's back now? He must not work too hard. I have written two letters to Father one on the 25^th and the 8^th and I also sent three papers. have you received them? Mrs. Pineo called here on thursday and gave me three prs cotton socks. She told me that Thos Gay has been sick. You might send me a few stamps in your next if you please. I expected / to have been sent off before this. It is the talk now that those few here that belong to the 9^th Corps are to do Provost Guard duty here in the city. I think there is something to it I got a pass on friday for the first time since I came here. As they would not give the 9^th Corps any before as they expected to send them off, we may go this week. Did Evie Baker ever receive that letter and ring I sent her I must write Thos Gay. I suppose you will be in Malden by the time this reaches you. I see by the papers that that our gunboats have commenced bombarding Charlestown. I hope they will be successfull. But I have not much news to write so I will close. Write soon My love to all from your affect' son William.

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