Camp Hooker, Frederick Junction, M^d

Wednesday June 10^th 1863

 

Dear Mother

                     I must take up my pen and drop you a few lines in answer to two of your letters received my by me this afternoon. I was happy to hear from you again. There is no news in camp of any importance. the men are at work carrying away the dirt from around the stockades so as to white wash them tomorrow morning. we expect the Governor of the little state of Jersey to pay us a visit tomorrow and we want to have things in trim. The boys are all well. Sergeant Chadwick is seated before me and is also writing. those flowers looked very natural Mother, in your letter of the 3^rd you said you were having a fine / rain. I wish we could be blessed with one for it is very dry. I have just heard that the Governor has arrived in the train tonight but he will not be in camp before tomorrow. I expect there are a great many frightened on account of the draft. that reminds me of a darkey that enlisted in one of the South Carolina Regiments. he said he wanted to get in out of the draff, ha, ha. as for myself Mother I fear no draft. I took a wise plan, I think; I have had quite a good many strawberries as well as radishes, they are in camp every day but if this dry weather continues it will soon wind them up. you say you wish this Rebellion was over, and there are not many but what does. I dont think it can hold out much longer than next winter. God grant it may not return my best respects to Miss Cad White, as well as all your neighbors /

 

            It seems very strange to me, if the bank only gives 3 per cent interest I think that is a mistake. But it dont make any difference to me. you can do just as you think best. if you want any money Mother you need not ask me for it. you are perfectly welcome to all you want. if you have not sent it yet, take five Dollars of it and use it. (whats mine is yours)

 

            While your son lives Mother you shall have what you want if it is in my power, rest assured of that, and may God bless you all and keep you from all harm.

 

            But I must say another word about the money matter, and it is this, that you use it as if it was your own, that is all the advice I can give upon the subject, ha, ha.

 

            I think I shall take a look at the sun tomorrow, and see if I can see those two spots. the drum has beat for roll call, so I must / hurry up with my letter. write again soon. give my love to John.

 

            It is quite cool tonight, it is cool nights and warm days. Serg^t Chadwick is my bed fellow. we have to pull both our blankets over us before morning, so you see it is very cool for summer nights.

 

            There is no signs of our moving away from here as yet. I think it is probable we will stay here all summer, but I must close bidding you good night. may God protect you this night and keep you from all harm.

                                                           

Your Son Albert with Love

Serg^t U.S. Army

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