Camp of the Ambulance Corps

3^d Division, 3^d Corps. Army of

the Potomac. Brandy Station, Va.

February 12^th, 1864

 

Dear Mother

                        I will sit down and reply to yours of the 5^th and 8^th, yours of the fifth I received just after I had written and the other came to hand last night. I was very happy to hear you were in middling good health. This leaves me in excellent health.

 

            There is no news of any importance that I know of. No signs of the Paymaster yet, we will soon have four months pay due us. The weather is fair a little cold, but very pleasant. / All is quiet through the Train this morning. I believe there is Inspection some time today. I hav'nt been over to the Regiment since we were out on the reconoisance but I guess the Boys are all well.

 

            I went over to the 2^d Division day before yesterday and took dinner with Cap^t Sleeper and Cap^t Sowder of the 11^th N.J. I took the two standards with me as I had read them, so I cannot send Aunt Clemmy the death of Aunt Polly.

 

            Inspection is over so I shall try and finish my letter before I am / put on detail for I think in all probability I will have to go down to the Goverment works with some waggons to get mended.

 

            Those that were to be shot in the 2^d Division were pardoned the same day, so they are now in better spirits no doubt.

 

            Then the Dominy talks of leaving you, well let him went if he is in search of money.

 

            There have been many deaths this winter it seems to me around Red Bank, as well as at other places. Life is uncertain, but death is certain to come sooner / or later. God grant that we may always be prepared with our lamps brightly burning. Death itself shall then be vanquished.

And his sting shall be withdrawn.

            Our days are as the grass,

            Or like the morning flower;

            If one sharp blast sweep o'er the field,

            It withers in an hour.

 

I should like to take a peep in at the old store and give it a scrubbing for them. I heard that Peter J. had sold out. Business must be very brisk or there wouldn't be so many starting groceries &c. let them get rich if they can get rich in a grocery on Red Bank. And I'll be a soldier. I must now close. Write soon & I ever remain

                                                                                   

Your loving Son

Albert.

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