Field Gen'l Hosp'l, Army of Tenn.

Atlanta, Ga., Oct. 13^th 1864.

 

My Dear Sister:

                        Two or three days since I went down town to see if mail communication was re-established, and to post a letter which I had just written to mother. On my way I stopped at the Christian Commission Rooms, and with no expectation of an affirmative answer I asked if there was a letter there for me. Imagine then the pleasure with which I received two letters, one from you and one from mother, of date of Sept. 16^th and 17^th. My last date previously had been the 2^nd. I was greatly rejoiced to hear again from home you may rest assured, after being so long without a letter. I called at the rooms just in the niche of time too, for the letters had come down from Marietta only the day before. The / stamps and comb came very acceptable. I tell you that I have learned to value home and home letters, especially since my sickness as I never have before. I believe that I have needed some such experience as I have passed through to teach me the value of my mother and sister. Certain it is that I never knew before the strength of the ties that bind me to them as I know them now. Your kind words and actions are not lost on me I assure you.

 

            I have now been in my new position one week. I find the duty which I am called upon to perform pleasant and not too arduous. It is pretty certain that I shall be detailed here for a while at least. My health is improving slowly, and I confidently expect that the excellent fare and the freedom from the exposure and hardships of camp life which I enjoy here, will / ere many weeks restore me again to sound health. Potatoes, onions, vegetables, milk, etc., are now no strangers to my table.

 

            I do not know whether railroad communication is re-established yet or not. I hardly think it is however, so that you will probably receive this letter at the same time with two or three others. Should you receive it at the same time with my request for a box, please put in the box a bottle of blackberry wine if you have it. I believe that a bottle would do me good. Be sure that the bottle is well protected with cotton or hay so that it will not break. Tell mother to be sure and not forget to put in my blouse and vest.

 

            My Regiment, the last that I heard of it was between Marietta and Kingston, after Hood.

 

            Tell mother that the 50 cents / enclosed in her letter was safely received and came very opportunely. I was in a quandary how I was to get my washing done, when its unexpected reception relieved me.

 

            Day before yesterday I exercised my privilege as an American citizen and deposited my vote for the Union State Ticket, and for T. A. Plant as member of Congress. I could procure no County ticket and so did not vote that; but I didn't care much about the County officers anyhow. I cared most about our member of Congress, and I do sincerely hope that that Copperhead Morris has been defeated.

 

            No doubt you will be very anxious about me before you receive my letters. May our kind Heavenly Father be your support and stay constantly is the prayer of

                                               

Your aff. Bother,

           

Tell mother that since it is so much trouble for her to get her wood cut, that I think that probably it would be better to procure a coal stove as she suggested.

           

Hiram's letter was received and answered.

           

I shall not need any more paper at the present, being now where I can procure it.

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