Edward's Ferry, Md. Jan.

Feb 4^th 1863.

           

Dear Brother:

                                    I have pleanty of time just now and some pieces of paper. (odds and ends you know) that I want to get rid of, so I send it to you. I get along first rate, have not liked better since I came out, have pleanty to eat, and for about a week past have not had much to do. It is oweing to the snow storm and unpleasant weather since (That is, you know. I swear. well I'll tell you) Or to be serious our easy time is oweing to that.

 

            I presume I am growing fat yet, but believe I have not weighed since I wrote last. Perhaps I will do so before I finish this. Yesterday and last night were quite cool and wintery. To day is more pleasant but there is a sharp air which reminds one of Maine. I suppose you think (as I used to) that these tents must / be very cold and uncomfortable, in this cold weather. But you are much mistaken. We have a fire place in ours, and although made of such stones as we could find it is a good one and keeps us very comfortable. In proof of this I would say that there are some rather large cracks around the chimney which a few minutes work would stop and keep out a great deal of cold. And you must see that if we were very cold we should do it. So don't fear that I shall suffer from cold or any thing else untill I begin to, and if I am so unfortunate I will let you know in season and even then I think it would not be best to worrie to much for I have some very good friends here who would take care of me. Or to use an expression which you have heard, "perhaps I have got as many friends, in this neighborhood, as you have"

 

            But seriously, If I should be taken sick, I feel assured that I should have as good care as one could have under the circumstances, but dont untill there is 

Continued

            Humph, Eustice as I understand, left his Reg't just before the battle of Fredricksburg. So much for his bravery and patriotism.

 

            The moment danger threatened, when his country called loudest he resigned. Before I would take that course, (if I had the power) I would rather be shot. But his is not a solitary instance by any means. Too many of our officers are ready to bear the honor and pay untill danger is in sight. the sneak out on some trifling pretext

 

            I am glad you are geting along so well at home, and hope you will continue to do so. It does not seem a bit like Sunday here canal boats are running and the soldiers are buisy building up their tents and making fire places altogather presenting a buisy scene. But between writing and talking, the afternoon has passed nearly away, and I will draw to a close for this time. I should like to be at home a short time and go round with you and visit some of our friends, but time flies fast and my term will soon pass away.

 

            I feel well contented to remain and / shall look back to it as the greatest school of my life

 

            Winfield expressed some surprise that I did not want money or stamps. I have 1.60 cts oweing to me and do not feel concerned about geting it although I may not get it so soon as I expected. I spent 10 cts for nails, the other day, to tap my shoes and have one stamp and 2 cts left. Tapps and taping cost me nothing. I have no fears about geting stamps but he may tell send me 6 or 8 if he pleases, he need not hurry though.

 

            I shall write again as soon as I can find opertunity. I have several to answer so I may not write as soon as usual.

                                                                                   

Write Soon

J. F. Libby

 

P.S.

I do not have a good chance to write so I scratch it off any way when I am in hurry

J.F.L.

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