Headquarters 14 Reg^t N.J. Vol^s

Camp Hooker, Monocacy Bridge M^d

Early Friday Morning Oct. 31 1862

 

My Dear Mother

                        I am happy to write you a few lines this morning to assure you that, that wonderful box was received by me last night (Thursday) and it came safe and sound. it had not been opened by the inspector as it happened. but I suppose the reason was that they didn't want the trouble of taking of those three hoops, and they could not take of the hoops without breaking the cover for I couldn't; I had to break it into but I didn't care anything about / lid so I got inside the box, and Mother I wish you could have seen it. every thing was just as nice as it was when it started and I can give great credit to the packers for it was the nicest box that has been in Camp Hooker, and such another time as we had over that box would fully have paid you for your trouble without a doubt if you could have seen us dont you think so Mother. but I hope God will allow you that privilege before a great while I have not a great while so I must tell you how my things suited me (why they suited me to a (T) we had a good time eating cake. I called in the / Captain and he fairly jumped for joy to see such a big box of cake as that. so we kept going down in the box and getting out the things that belonged to the other boys and after a while I came to my boots and Mother if they had taken my foot for a last they could not have made a better fit for me and they feel so good on my feet. I was glad to throw down my goverments and then I searched and found my cap and put it on. it was just the ticket tell Libbie I then took the boquet and gave three cheers for the stars and stripes but I must not forget to mention that spoon / and pocket knife. I opened it thinking it something nice and the boys up and laughed I suppose that was where the laugh came in was it not? I wish I could see you a few moments I could express my thanks to you Dear Mother a great eal better than I can write. Just thank my friends for me, but tell them they shall all receive a letter from me as soon as I have the opportunity. You must excuse my writing mother as I want to write one or two more through the day God willing, so I have to write fast as I have only three quarters of an hour to finish your's in before drill. I think you must have all prayed for that box, for I did, and our prayers were answered for the box was safely received and we were able to enjoy the fruits thereof thank God / the oysters were just as good as ever, and I dont doubt but that they would have kept for a long time. so after the excitement was somewhat over I took a cup of oysters and stewed them and then sat down on the box before our fireplace with a piece of cake and cheese and and had what you may call a good old time that is I made myself at home as you may imagine but i didn't take of my cap or boots ha, ha. I gave Esek his present he was highly tickled and sends his best respects to you and John and thanks him most hearily I am going to roast a sweet / potato some time today. I didn't forget to call Joe Reeves in my tent to share a portion with me the old Darkey was pleased I can tell you. I found the neck ties but i didn't count them ha, ha. those shirts were just the things I needed Mother only I didn't need but one as it will make my trunk pretty heavy. if the rebels had come last night I think I would have fought hard over that box. I intend to have one of those shirts on Sunday and then I will shine for certain that was a spendid cake of Mrs Middledich I shall write to her soon. I looked among those tongues for Shoppys but I could not find any equal to his tell him. tell Mrs Murphy / that she knew what kind of cake suited me and may God bless her for her kindness thank her for me. I shall write to Peter soon tell him that box was well hooped. those pickles were splendid I expect to get that box from friend Harry this evening. I expect our tent will be filled with boxes pretty soon. when I opened your box I thought about starting a grocery store immediately but my prices would have been so monstrous that I fear I would not have sold anything. one hundred dollars could not have bought that box Mother before it was opened. write soon and let me know how you are getting along and how John is getting I hope he is out before / this. I should have written last night Mother so it could have gone in this mornings mail but there was so much excitement that it was impossible. the Cap^t wanted to trade boots with me as soon as he saw mine but I couldn't see it. but I shall have to bring my letter to a close Mother as my time is up hopeing you will excuse this poor writing and accept the love and sincere thanks of your only son

                                                                                   

Albert. C. Harrison

 

P.S. I am looking for a letter from Aunt Clemmy and I must state that your letter was received by me which you wrote on Sunday

(So Good Bye                         (my Love to all)

           

Dear Mother)

(May God be with you

and bless you

now & forever)

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