Camp of the Ambulance Corps

3^d Division, 3^d Army Corps

Brandy Station, Virginia

Jan Feb 3^d/64.

 

Dear Mother

                        With the greatest of pleasure, I take my pen this evening to drop you a few lines in answer to yours which came into good hands this afternoon.

 

            I was truly happy to hear from you and glad to hear you were quite well, as this leaves me in the same enjoyment, gaining fat all the while, and lazy as ever.

 

            There has been quite a sudden change in the weather since yesterday from warm to cold. We had a severe / thunder shower last night and an occasional flash of lightning. I was on detail this morning. I had to go to the Station after oysters, and I tell you it bit my ears and toes right smart. But I have a fast horse, and wasn't long getting there and back again. all my waggons were out nearly all night so I carried the oysters myself, which was only half a gallon. There are very few sick in our Brigade.

 

            our whole train was ordered to report at our respective Regimental Hospitals yesterday to convey the sick to the Station for Washington. Our Doctors hadn't a man for me to take, so / you see the 14^th is doing well. I called at the Regiment today and saw the most of the Boys. some few were on picket. they all look fine as a bran new hat, and can't begin to devour our rations. (I wish you would send me down three or four hundred hogs to fat.) Thompson was tinkering at 8 or 9 wathes watches. he has all his implements for working with and is doing a good retail business for an old veteran.

 

            Serg^t Pricket has left us he was discharged a few days ago. he has a big thing of it, he gets the commission of Captain in the 26^th Regt U. S. Regulars / Nigger Regiment. Tell Susie that her little Joe is now a Serg^t and he asked me today if I had heard from Susie and was very anxious to hear from her.

            I am glad that Coz. Belle is in a state of improvement. where does she put up when she is at home. I should like to scratch her a few lines when I am laying around with nothing to do but to devour tobacco. I am on detail again tomorrow, as soon sure as I am writing. here is my detail. Serg^t Harrison will come for report tomorrow morning at 8 oclock L^t Bookstaver  P.K. Clerk

 

Well ma you were speaking about my –Orse eating bread. I tried him tonight, I gave him 8 loaves to start on and he said he didn't like it. /

 

[drawing of a star] Just look here mother and see what some one has gone and done on my paper boo hoo

 

The roads are very muddy. I had a sweet time cleaning my horse tonight and now I have got to go and dirty him all up again in the morning. never mind though, when I come to think it is good medicine for my laziness to lay out a little of my strength on him (No signs of Mr Green Back yet.)

 

            We dont want anybodys wedding cake. The fruitcake was grand. I have some buckwheat yet, enough for another mess. we had some for dinner today. The sutler keeps buckwheat flour ten cents a pound. (cheap)

 

            There is nothing new of any / account. give my love to John and bear me in sweet remembrance to any who may enquire. write again soon and now I will close and to bed perchance to dream of home. May Heaven bless you Dear Mother, be of good cheer, all will be well in the end. Good night

                       

Your ever loving & affec. Son

Albert C

Serg^t Harrison

Amb Corps

           

My Country forever

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