Camp Near City Point, Va.

October 23^d 1864.

 

Dear Mother & Father

                        It is the Sabbath & all is quiet in camp as always at the front. I have heard but two or three reports of artillery this morning and they were on the extreme right of the lines in the direction of Richmond.

 

            Well Mother I am happy to inform you that I received your letter written in the City and I wrote to Aunt Clemmy but probably you will be at home before it reaches her, therefore I thought I would drop you a few lines (at home) / so you might know I received the letter & precious glad to hear from you and learn you were in good health. I am sorry Uncle Henry is in ill health. by the way you write he and Aunt must be strong McClellan men. I for my part cannot imagine why any man or woman can preach up little Mac, who has any mind of their own. I am young to be sure, but for all that I am a democrat, but because I am a Democrat is no reason I should vote for the democratic candidate. I cannot chew that Chicago Platform fine enough to swallow it. After enduring privations & difficulties which / none but the soldier can imagine for upwards of two years, then vote for the man who says the South cannot be conquered, and who if elected will bring peace on any terms, and furthermore one who dreads to hear of a Union victory. No! sooner will I die under the old Stars & Stripes. dont talk about Mc to the Soldiers in the field. We have a better chance here of knowing the vast differences between the two men. take the majority of the Soldiers in the field, they would sooner vote for Jeff Davis himself. and then again look to the Rebel authorities / what say they to our men whom they hold prisoners of war. Why this, that they will give them a furlough for 30 & 60 days if they will go home & vote for McClellan. here but a few days since the enemy in front of Butler were heard to give three times three cheers for McClellan. I tell you it dont go down with the blue bellies.

 

            Uncle Abe the Soldiers friend retains the chair for the next four years if the Good Lord spares his life, but I will end this all important question to the soldier & open upon sone new topic.

 

            The weather is delightful today, but it was cold last night. We have good quarters, better than ever before / if we can only remain in them. the prospects are good at the present time. We are still at work at our stables & will get them done by the last of this week if nothing turns up to hinder.

            I received a letter this morning from Henry Clay. I see he is full of little Mac. I will give it to him when I write.

 

            I forgot to tell you to send some writing paper & some tobacco in case you send the box, if convenient. I dont want any shirts unless you can spare the money for I can draw governments. probably we will be paid some time this winter then you can send me another / but just what I mentioned in my first letter is all that is really necessary.

 

I will have no trouble in getting a box at any time. When you write address the same as your last             

City Point, Va

 In care of L^t H. D. Bookstaver

 

the box in the same way. write soon. May Heaven protect & bless you all. My love to Grandma & remember me to friends.

                       

Your ever loving & Affec

Son Albert

 

Sergt Harrison

City Point, Va

In care of

Lieut H. D. Bookstaver

 

PS

            Hoping this may find you in good health as it leaves me      A

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