[large paper holes]

 

Continued

[  ]ing which happens to take the eye of the unscrupulous [  ] not safe unless a guard is stationed over it, and then not always, for not I have no seen men steal straw from a stack of when a sentinel was stationed. two would go up on opposite sides and while the guard stoped one the other detailed a bundle, as they call it.

 

            And after seeing all this I am convinced of the truth of the [  ] that no greater curse than civil war can befall any [  ] Holman was appointed Corporal the other [  ] I am glad that his chance will be easier [  ]d it He will not be like one of our [  ] told his men, the other day when he [  ] the water squad, the he would see them [  ] before he would carry a bucket full. [  ] duty comes rather heavy now, our company [  ]rnish 16 or 17 men a day for Picket and [  ] guard, and a good many of our men [  ] and off duty. One man ran away and five or six were left sick in Portland one of which has since died, and the rest will not be likely to join us. taking all these with / with the Coms and Non Co[  ] Musicians taken out leave but [  ] privates for duty. We had an [  ] supper to night in the shape of [  ] apple sauce which tasted quite well w[  ] our hard bread and coffee. We are going to have some baked beans to morrow morning—We have them quite often.

 

            The snow which covered the ground this morning is all gone, this evening, [  ] a few patches in the shade, and the [  ] is quite dry again.

 

            Stonwall is making a f[  ] in the next tent in his dry [  ] stile—a style which generally [  ] roar, and sets all in a good [  ] It is rather uncomfortable [  ] night and I will stop, and finish to morrow.

 

Sunday Nov 9^th           3 Oclock P.M.

I have been buisy most all day—getting [  ] this fornoon and I have just been out after walnuts with one of the Non Coms—we got / [  ] we We had a soup made of [  ] and vegetables. We have fresh beef two [  ] times a week.

 

            There is so much to take ones attention here [  ] I blunder every word or two, and I dont feel in a writing mood just now and I will close

            Give my respects to all Friends who enquire for me. Give my love to mother and tell her that I am much better contented than I ever expected [  ] I should rather be at home, of course, but as [  ] as we are I should not leave before my [  ] I could as well as not. [  ] off and leaves no trace behind. [  ] which I should like quite well. [  ] map of this part of the country [  ] come across one such as you have seen [  ] map without the cover that I can [  ] portfolio and get it cheap I should like to [  ] send it in a letter. In the absence of reading [  ]ld be interresting. You would naturally suppose that we should get all the war news here, but it is not so we get enough but none to rely on. Take good care of yourself and make preperation for a smart hand / next haying.            Write soon

John F. Libby

                                                           

P.S.

            It is immaterial about the map [  ] you find it handily. You must excuse all [  ] for it is almost impossible to write correctly and this is full of them.

            J. F. L.

SOURCES