Atlanta, Ga., Sept. 26, 1864.

 

My Dear Sister:

                        For several days now I have looked in vain for a letter from home. Our mails are very irregular of late, and I presume that the reason why I have received no letter is in consequence of their failure rather than of your not writing. A few days since, I received an Examiner from mother containing some paper and envelopes, and also a letter bearing date of August 25^th. The stupidity of some of these army post office clerks is truly amazing. The direction was perfectly plain both on letter and paper; yet they had both miscarried; the letter to the 33^d Ohio, the paper to the 14^th Corps. By the way, speaking of Corps, the 16^th Army Corps, Left Wing, is no more. Our Corps is broken up, and divided between the 15^th and 17^th Corps; our Division going to the latter Corps. I do not know what Division we are in the 17^th Corps; so until / further orders direct your letters as formerly.

 

            We are now in Atlanta. We moved here about one week since, and are engaged in cleaning off ground and putting up Hospital tents for the "Army of the Tennessee". How long we shall remain here I know not. My health I am sorry to say does not improve much. I am doing no duty as yet. I am not really sick, but am utterly devoid of life energy and strength. I believe that a downright fit of sickness would be the more preferable.

 

            Atlanta bears numerous marks of the destructiveness of our shell. Some houses have several holes through them. Scarcely any part of the city was exempt. The inhabitants dug themselves holes in their gardens and in the side of embankments to which they retreated in times of danger. Scarcely a house is without one of these "gopher holes". Numerous shells may now be found lying about the streets which did not explode. Whilst passing through the city on my way / to the Reg't I staid at the Soldier's Home. The building had been an old hotel. A list of prices, dated Sept. 1^st '63, was pasted upon the door. Here it is: Meal $2.50 each: Board $10 per day, $65 per week. Candles were only $1 each; and a fire in your room would cost only $1 extra. Delectable Confederacy! Abode of plenty! What poor man wouldn't emigrate to thee?

 

            No paymaster yet. Our rolls are all ready, but when we will be paid it is impossible to say.

 

            The equinoctial storm is over, and we are now having beautiful weather.

                                   

Write often to

Your aff. Brother

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