Ambulance Train

3^d Division Park near

Brandy Station, Virginia

Friday Dec. 11^th 1863

 

Dear Mother

            I seat myself this evening in new quarters to pen you a few lines to assure you that I am by the kind mercies of God enjoying good health earnestly hoping this finds you all in the self same enjoyment.

 

            Well Mother now you have read the heading of my letter. I suppose you want to know the very first thing what I am doing in the Ambulance Train. I will tell you / I am now Serg^t in the Train and hereafter instead of carrying gun and equipments, I throw them aside, and have my horse to ride, so long as I behave myself, ha, ha. so Mother you see that your son Albert has got up in the military world about one inch or more, and I reckon he was learned when he was quite a small chap how to behave himself, especially when there was anything at stake. I have you to thank for all that. I left my company yesterday, have been with the Train two days, and like it first rate, but I cannot help liking it, as there is / no hard duty to perform and you can imagine yourself that it is worth something to get rid of picket duty, especially in winter, and no guard duty, no gun & rigging to be cleaned &c. O I tell you its a large thing for this child. now I will tell you my duty. I have three wagons & three teams and nine men to look after. It is my duty to see that the waggons are kept in repair & that the men take good care of the horses. when my teams are sent out, of course I saddle my nag and go with them, thats the whole sum and substance.

 

            L^t Patterson secured the / position for me, therefore he's to blame for my good luck. Well Mother now I will want something else in my box, that is a vest. I am not particular what kind you get, so that is good and warm. you can fit it by John. I think there will be no danger of our moving from here this winter, so when you get the box ready Mother you can send it. my boots will be doubly good to me now. I believe I have nothing more to say. our Train is about a mile from camp. I intend to go over in the morning if I live, to get my mail    Direct hereafter

thus, Sergt Albert C Harrison

Ambulance Train

1^st Br 3^d Division, 3^d Army Corps /

 

I have them addressed in that way Mother, as my mail will then go to Division Headquarters and be sent to me. it saves me the trouble of going to the Regiment after it, but when you send the box, you can put on the old directions

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