Decatur, Alabama, June 12, 1864.

 

My Dear Sister:

                        I have delayed writing for two or three days in hope of receiving a letter from you; but as I have been disappointed, I will write a few lines without further delay.

 

            During the past few days the troops here have been paid off. The paymaster is always a welcome individual, and the funds which he distributes are eagerly received. Those who have families at home dependent upon them are glad to be able to send them their wages. A vast amount of money however is spent foolishly. Sutler's reaps a rich harvest. The prices for everything here are enormous,—greater than I have known anywhere else. But notwithstanding this the Sutler stores are continually crowded. A New York Regiment here are especially reckless in the expenditure of their money. Many of them buy up pens watches and jewelry, which they will sell again at half the price they paid for them as soon as they have run out of funds in order to raise money. My own watch not being exactly to my liking I sold it for two dollars more than I paid for it, and bought a number one watch in its place. Gambling is indulged in to a very great extent. In an old saw mill I counted one day no less than sixteen different groups of gamblers.

 

            We received no pay here, as our names / are on the Regimental pay roll. Probably as soon as the Regiment settles down somewhere they will be paid.

            I suppose that you have scarcely been annoyed much by flies as yet. Here however we have them in myriads. When they have settled at evening the tent is completely black with them. In the day time they fly around, thrusting their noses into everything. If you lie down, a half dozen immediately light upon your face. You brush them off, and the next moment they light upon your hand. Brush them off and in a moment they are back. In despair you plunge your head under a blanket; but the heat soon compels you to uncover. And then in revenge they bite ferociously as only Southern flies can. It keeps one in constant exercise to repel their attacks. I don't know however, but what this is a blessing, for otherwise we would soon become too lazy to move.

 

            Everything is quiet hereabouts. The Rebs. don't trouble us at all.

                       

Write often to

Your Brother                                                              

 

            I received two or three days since your first letter directed to Post Hospital. Where it had been all the while I know not.

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