Camp Near City Point, Va.

Oct 10^th 1864.

 

Dear Mother & Father

                        Having a good chance to write this afternoon I will pen you a few lines for I may not have another opportunity in several days as we are going to change camp tomorrow and get a little closer the Army Hospitals, about two mile from our present camp. we move on the morrow if nothing hinders & will put up winter quarters. we will also be a little nearer to the Point! The reason / for changing camp is this, they have been building works around City Point and we have got to get inside, for there will be a big move pretty soon which may throw City Point open to the enemy, but a force will be left in the works to defend them, and it will take but a small force for the works are as strong as we often see, and in case of an attack our gunboats would have a fair sweep also.

 

            The weather is cold & clear. There was a very heavy frost last night for the first / and I guess it put an end to all the mosquitoes for I have not felt but one since.

 

            I received a couple of Standards from you last night I guess they had been on the road two months or more. one was a June paper & the other away back to 1862.

 

            There has been somewhat of firing in the direction of the James River today. old Butler will not let the Johnies rest, but just keeps them on the lookout all the while. the probability is that our Train will / remain with the Hospital all winter, if that moves we will follow. I tell you Mother we are lucky chaps and have got a big thing, this child especially, its to be born lucky than rich.

 

            But I must now close with best respects to any stray friends of sympathy. I dont get any letters from Red Bank. I hope you are all in good health as this leaves your loving Son, Albert

City Point Va.

 

God bless you & all                

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