Atlanta, Ga., Oct. 1, 1864.

 

My Dear Mother:

                        Still no word from home. It will be one month to-morrow since the date of the last letter I have received. What it means I know not. I have at last almost given up hope of receiving any more word from home. We never have had so great irregularity in the mail as now. We do not receive mail oftener than once in three or four days and then it is generally a small one. Where the rest of our mail goes to is beyond my comprehension. Well there is no use in grumbling. We can't help it and must take it patiently.

 

            I am again "in the Hospital", this time however in the Regimental institution. From this fact you must not conclude that I am necessarily worse than I have been of late, for I am not. I was do- / ing no duty in the Company, and had a little fever, and the Doctor concluded that as I would have a little change of diet in the Hospital I had better go there. So here I am. I am here with the Regiment and it is not so unpleasant as if I were away where I should see no one I knew and receive no mail, even supposing one to come for me. I am feeling better to-day than I have for some time, and I begin to have hopes that I may get well again yet.

 

            I have been thinking about the matter somewhat, and I have about come to the concusion that if you could express me a box at any reasonable price perhaps it might not be amiss to risk it. We may remain in this place two months, and we may leave to-morrow; but the prospect now rather seems in favor of our remaining here some little time. So if the cost is not too / great, and it will not be too much trouble I think you may venture to send me a small box. Send nothing in it which will be liable to spill. Perhaps I may mention some things: If you have no chance to send it by some one returning, enclose my overcoat; send two or three pair of socks; some of your nice tomato pickles; a pound or two of good fresh butter well sealed; a little preserved fruit, a little dried fruit, and a little dried meat; send no apples, for they will probably rot. If you have not already sent it put in a fine comb; a few envelopes and some paper, and some pens. Put in a little thread also. This box of course is to be sent at my expense; so draw on Mr. Ewart for whatever it costs. One thing more. I want a cheap but substantial pocket knife. If you see fit to send these things it had better be done immediately. Direct plainly, and on more than one side, Geo. R. Gear, Co. B. 39^th Ohio Reg't, 16^th A.C. Atlanta, Georgia. /

 

            If you need money for use in the family, I wish you to recollect that I still claim to belong to that institution, and therefore wish you to draw on my funds in Mr. E's. hands whenever and to whatever amount you need. We live in hopes here of being paid off some day; but when that day will come is very uncertain.

 

            Please send me a few stamps and a little paper soon.

 

            And now it is about time this begging letter was ended. Ah, yes, one thing more. Haven't I some young lady friend patriotic enough to make me a present of some convenient needle cushion?

 

            There, I think that will cap the climax to my letter very well.

                                               

Your aff. Son,

George.

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