Head Quarters, upper bunk, Tent 2, Squad 1,

Co. B. 39^th O.V.I., Prospect Station, Tenn. Dec. 5, 1863.

 

My Dear Sister:

                        As I sit here in my bunk to-day and look around me, a feeling of calm satisfaction comes over me; for be it known unto you that the dwellers in this tent are as comfortably situated as the heart of any soldier could wish. Thinking that whilst wood was plenty and cheap it was better to use it in enlarging our quarters, we shouldered axes the other day and wandering off into the woods, laid siege to a large chesnut tree, which was soon demolished, and split into slabs; with which slabs thus split we did construct a bu frame work, 8 by 10 feet, and 4 feet in height, somewhat resembling in outward appearance the structure known in common language as a hog pen. Over the top of this structure we did put our tent; in the side of it we did construct a fire place, and its cracks were plastered over with mud. Then upon the first story we appropriated a space large enough for a bedroom for 4 men, and over their heads, were placed sleeping accommodations for 2 more; of which two I am one. Thus we have left a space of 8 feet by three for a parlor and sitting room, whilst a bright fire blazes in front of us. I imagine that this picture may not seem over attractive to you. But with us our house is the climax of comfort. We felicitate ourselves / upon the comfort that we will take here in the cold and rainy days. We are satisfied. The name of our little squad indicates our condition. It is the "Happy Family". What care we for your lordly mansions? Nothing. To use our own expression, "This house is just good enough for me".

 

            I have said we have done all this. Understand that I claim very little credit. I give the credit of the architecture to my comrades, who know more about wood chopping and fixing up than I. This credit I think due to them.

 

            Everything goes on quietly here. We are all fixing up comfortably. I see no immediate prospect of moving. Report says that we are soon to begin building a fort here.

 

            I saw in the paper the other day the name of Lieut. Turner amongst the killed in the 92^d in the late fight. I suppose it is George. It could hardly have shocked me more had he been struck down at my very side. It is a sad blow for his father and mother. I am reminded that life is very uncertain. Hitherto a Special Providence seems to have watched over this Regiment. Not a dozen men have died in it during the past year. But death may yet hold his carnival over us. That I may ever be prepared for his coming is my earnest prayer.

 

            The citizens hereabouts are becoming tired of the war. There are many at home who have deserted the secesh army. They are not true hearted Union men, but they look upon the cause of the Confederacy as hopeless, and are willing to give up. There were but 13 Union votes in this county when the question of Secession was before them.

 

            Enclosed I send you a $1 note issued by the State of Alabama. It is genuine, and at some distant day may be valuable as a curiosity. I mean to try to get a collection of Confederate notes, but it is not very easy to do so, without paying considerable for them, as the boys keep them whenever they can get hold of them; as they frequently have an opportunity to pass them for something to eat. I gave 25 cents for this note.

                                               

Write often to

Your Brother                                      

George /

 

P.S.—Mother's letter of Nov. 19 has just come to hand, informing me of the accession to your family. I suppose that Eddie and Fannie are greatly pleased over their new brother.

 

            Mother says that the Middlesworth boys wrote home of a breaking out on my face. It was news to me, and upon inquiring of Geo. and Austin Middlesworth, I find them unconscious of writing anything of the kind. Geo. says that the only foundation that he can think of for such a report is that he spoke of my face being badly spol swollen last winter at Corinth after we came off the Tennessee trip. I have never enjoyed better health than since entering the army. As to sending a box to me there is no opportunity to do so at present. Should there be a favorable opportunity, I will let you know.

                                                                       

Your Brother

George. /

 

Good night.

 

How are the young folks prospering?

 

Tell Eddie and Fannie that Uncle George sends his love to them, and wants you to kiss them for him.

                                                                                                                       

Vale    Geo.

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