Headquarters, 14^th Reg^t N.J. Volunteers

Camp Hooker, Monocacy Bridge, Maryland

Thursday Eve, Jan 1^st 1863

 

My Dear Mother

                        I seat myself upon my bed this first evening of a new year to write you my first letter of the present year. I wish firstly to let you know that I have received that small box you said at first you was going to send me, but I find, Mother, that it is nearly as large as the first. And everything was in perfect order. Let me sincerely thank you Mother for your trouble and expense, but I hope soon to repay you, as I hear we are going to get paid off this month whether it is true or not, I know not. But I hope it is. the box arrived in my tent last night while I was gone away to attend watch meeting and when I came home I found the box standing at the foot of my bed. I thought at first the boys had been trying to fool me, but I was gladly mistaken. I wondered how it would come through so soon Then the boys told me that Mr Wood / had brought it, and two of the boys happened to be over to the Junction & brought it right over and put it in my tent. so you see Mother that it came all right. I didn't open it until this morning, but I tell you it was rather a hard task to go to bed without seeing the inside of that box. but most all of the boys were asleep when I came in and I didn't like to make any noise to awake them. the first thing I saw I believe when I opened the box, was your letter and read it of course before I took out any of the things. As for the turkey Mother it is just as well youre not sending it as I have plenty of roast beef all the time and I had turkey for my dinner christmas as I told you in my last letter. I am very careful in eating Mother, not to eat to much at a time, so dont worry, on that score. I gave Eseck one of those plates. he was highly pleased and thanks you and send his love to you and John. the cake was splendid Mother. I am glad the fruit cake was baked pretty dry Mother, as it will keep longer as I intend to keep it for awhile. I tell you Mother I had a first rate dinner. We had roast beef and good bread, and I took a / cup of cider and piece of your first rate mince pie for desert. one of the pies was mashed a little but you know that didn't hurt it any, as it tasted just as good, ha, ha. I think I will have writing paper enough now to last me awhile. as for the tomatoes I havn't opened them yet, and will not yet awhile. Please thank Mr Bergen for his kindness to me, thank Mrs Vanness and all that had any hand in the box for me if you please. tell them that I thought everything was splendid. I dont think there will be any danger of the sausages moulding Remember me to Major, the boys were all highly tickled, but I must stop a minute and get an apple. There now I can write and eat both. the candy pipe was nearly melted (that corn was extra ha, ha, J. Hammond) those carrots and peppers will come in play as carrot tea is good for the janders, and the most of the men in our company have had them and come out all right. you say you think it seems like a poor lot of stuff to send me, but Mother I think far differently you couldn't have sent me anything that would have suited me any better than what you did send. the day has been a beautiful one, and I think it will be / a long to be remembered New Year to the members of the N.J. 14^th. the Boys are all well and in good spirits tonight, and some with intoxicating spirits. it is a lucky thing I think that we didn't get paid off before the hollidays or some what of the men would have been minus a few $ so you see they havn't got any money, and of course they cannot spend any right

 

            Well Mother I believe I have nothing more to say this time so I will close and go get a piece of bread & butter. so give my love to John with a very happy new year, and best respects to all enquiring friends. so Good night my dear Mother may God preserve and bless you

 

Accept the love of your Son in Uncle Sams employ. Albert.

                                                           

Sergeant Albert C. Harrison

Co. G. 14^th Regiment, New Jersey Vols

Camp Hooker, Monocacy Bridge

Maryland

 

(P.S

Please answer this soon mother

A.C.H)

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