Camp of the 3^d Divis. 3^d Corps

Amb. Train. Brandy Station. Va.

Jan. 5^th 1863.

           

The box has arrived safe.

 

Dear Mother,

            Time is precious with me this morning but I must steal a few moments and scratch you a few lines to inform you of the safe arrival of the box and contents. I wrote you last Sunday stating that I had not yet received it and had just given the letter to the mail carrier yesterday afternoon when I was informed that a large quantity of express boxes had been brought to headquarters and a still small voice seemed to / say to me that my box was in town. so I soon had a team harnessed & hooked to the Ambulance & on my way to Division Head Quarters, where lo and behold, I soon saw the box it had not been examined yet. I picked it up put it into the waggon & started for camp & I wasn't long getting there, for you can imagine that this child was anxious to see the inside, like children always are you know. and soon the cover was off & everything was just as neat as when it left you, only one thing broke. tell Susie it was my fancy Boy, nothing left of him but the legs. Everything was / in the neatest order and not a thing spoiled, not even an apple. Well Mother I can tell you that you just understand packing a box, that what knocks. I have had no chance as yet to send for Foster & Harts home but I think they will be over tonight. That box Mother has done me $20.00 worth of good already in laughing at those bottles especially. tell Hannie Bergen that eight have already drank to her health & the decanter is three quarters full yet. you must thank them all for me Mother, & in time they shall hear from me by letter. You must excuse this bad writing for I am in a / terrible hurry. I am at work this morning building a stable. my men are all out. I will have to watch them a little or little will be done. we have had quite a snowstorm. the snow is about an inch deep. I had sausage for breakfast I will have some buckwheat cakes for supper. I will write again soon, as I cannot write much this time. the vest fits good & feels a good sight better. that sauce pan is glorious I have been offered $2.00 for it but $20.00 can't buy it. how are you Tea Pot. well Mother I must close, words cannot express my gratitude for your kindness. May God bless you all as / you have the Soldier of your Noble Republic. You cannot begin to imagine the boy of a Soldier on receiving such gifts from loved ones at home. it tells him that he is not forgotten by even the little ones. God grant that I may ever be worthy of being retained in your memories. Give my love to all. write soon & I ever remain

                       

Your loving & affect Son

Albert

           

Amb. Corps                             

3^d Division 3^d Corps

Brandy Station Va

SOURCES