Covington Ky Aug 21, 1863

 

"My dear Sister"

            I received your kind and letter dated the 11^th day before yesterday and one from Mother and Albert on the 17^th. And the letters were very welcome, I assure you. You say you wrote every week. I received 3 letters from home while in Miss. I am well and hope these lines will find you the same. I wrote you on Sun which you have probably received ere this. We are having pleasant weather. You wrote that you had sent that silk handkerchief. I have not yet received it yet. I went over to Cincinnatti monday and / got my picture taken which I will send it home. I also got ten small ones for .50 cts The large one cost .35 cts. I received that slip cut from the traveller and the flag root and ten stamps. Gill got a letter from home since he has been here Reub has got over his shakes Charley is now sick. He was well when he came here and laughed at Reub because he had the shakes, and now he is sick. The 6^th and 9^th NH arrived yesterday. I was in Cincinnatti when the marched to the Market the looked tired and worn out and the reg'ts are quite small. Reub says that Durell has turned in / his battery as he had only three men for duty. this is Battery L 2^nd Regular. I sent that shirt home on monday. We shall probably stop some where around here to recruit up and rest. We shall probably go to Hickman's Bridge the Head Quarters. It is reported that Col Harriman is to return to the Reg't. I have not received any papers since we came back. You must send me some story papers Ed Emerson gets the Waverly so I have the reading of that. Fruit are plenty here. I understand that they are going in for giving furloughs pretty extensively. 1 out of 7 of each Co at a time. Capt. / Dudley is hoggish as ever. I might write you of some of his actions but forbear the boys nearly all despise him he is so overbearing. I wrote to Thos Gay while on the boat and sent it by Put Heath. I am glad that Fathers health is better than it was. Gen'l Grant praised up the 9^th Corps when we were in Miss. There was two or three orders read to us thanking us for the services rendered and ordering Vicksburg and Jackson to be inscribed on our colors. We now have on it Vicksburg Jackson Fredericksburg I do not think of much more to write. excuse bad writing as this is Rebel paper. Write as soon as you get this. Lieut Clark sends his respects to Father. My love to all from         William.

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