Camp of the 14^th N.J.Vols

Rappahannock River

Virginia. Aug 11^th 1863

 

My Dear Mother

            I just put a letter in the mail bag for you tonight and about an hour after I put it in I received a letter from you so I thought I must write before I went to bed and inform you that I have heard from you & received the envelopes But I can tell you Mother it was a pleasure to me to read that you were well. I was troubled a little this morning with the trotters but I have got trotted out and feel right piert / tonight. I see you have been down to the Branch boarding a week, ha, ha I am taking board in Virginia ha, ha, ha, but as a general thing I think it is rather warmer down yer than it is at the famous watering place Long Branch. I was glad to hear they were having a good season. I hope Uncle John will make his fortune yet. so you dont seem to think I would tell you if I should be sick. our old Sutler came in camp tonight. I think the Paymaster must be somewhere on the road we can always tell when the Paymaster is coming / as soon as the sutler comes ha, ha. it is very warm tonight. George White sends his best respect he also had a letter from home tonight.

 

            I had a paper from Libbie today but have not had a letter in some time. I cannot help thinking about Ann Lib, she was right smart. if you should chance to see her, wish her much joy for me. I feel sorry for cousin Ged. He would be far better off / down here, for then he could not get anything to drink. you cannot imagine what a man Dan^l Thompson is it is the making of such ones. But may God bless Ged & keep him from the fire water. a soldier never covets whiskey he is satisfied with a good spring of cool water. we have good water near our camp. The Boys send their best wishes. Eseck is well but not quite so fat. he bunks along side me. I close may God bless you

                                                                                                           

Albert.

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