Camp Curtin              

Oct. 11^th 1861

 

Dear Mother

                        I sent a letter to Father day before yesterday, with Mr. Baird—but did not get time to finish it before he started,—hence I will write a little more now—commencing where I left off.

 

The gum blanket I got was a very good one—and was of excellent service a few days since—as I was out on guard on Monday—and if you remember it rained all that night.

 

Ed. Smith, Wallace & I were out from 7 to 10 O'clock that night and then went out at one and stood till three four. / It rained hard during that time, but my blanket kept me tolerably dry—They are an excellent thing. We have had a good deal of wet weather since we have been here,—which makes it a little uncomfortable—but perhaps, in comparison not more so than at home. It is a good place to spend money here. Every little article costs more than its value—Every letter costs 5 cts. I do not wish to ask Father for any more, for I do not think he has it to spare—but I will try and do without.

 

I have just got a letter from T.B. & Mary which says that J.S. & Nan have got home. Am very sorry to hear of Jimmie's continued ill health—think a visit to camp would do him good. T.B. has given up going to war.

 

I still like camp life very well—have quite easy times—and if I had some books to read could get along quite pleasantly.

 

If you wish to send any butter—boiled / chickens or anything else to me you can do it with Gen. Stouffer or Foster. Cy. seems to be very well contented—He, Ed. Smith, D. Wallace & myself are in a mess. We are keeping a place for Alex. Craig or Henry Fulton.

 

Col. Meredith was out on dress parade last eve for the first time. We like his appearance. Stands high in military circles. We are well satisfied with him—is said to be a very strict disciplinarian.

 

I think we will stay here for some time yet—as there are three reg. to leave before us. Col. Welsh's, Coulter's & Campbells—then Meredith's.

 

We are kept a good deal stricter now than at first. We could get out as often as we pleased. now it is difficult. I wish John would come home. I think the chances for a chaplaincy will be very good. love to all—write soon

 

Affectionately Your Son

Wils. J. Barnett

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