Knoxville, Tenn. Dec. 22^nd 1863

 

My Dear Sister.

                        It is 8 o'clock P.M. rather late to begin a letter still as I have just learned that there is a probability that there is a mail to leave to-morrow noon, I intend to get this under sufficient headway to finish it in a short time in the morning. I have been playing checkers all evening with Capt. Fuller of the Staff. He was left behind by the Gen'l. to hold the house we occupy as headquarters and I suppose must often be pretty lonely as all the rest of the Officers are away. He is a fine man and his shoulderstraps dont keep him from looking at a private once in a while, as is too often the case.

 

There is great excitement among the troops on the Veteran Volunteer question. In fact it may be said / that the Ninth Corps has the "Veteran Volunteer on the Brain". The 45^th has been attacked by the patriotic disease quite seriously, and I have understood that enough of the men have consented to re-enlist to make the thing sure. I have not yet made up my mind on the subject. If I have got to serve out the full three years I will probably go in with the rest as it will only make a difference of sixteen months but I hardly think the war can last so long. However I shall take a good think on it before deciding. If the regiment does go in for it we will all go home to Penn^a for thirty days or longer to recruit and re-organize. I wish I was out where the regiment is now, so I could know how the thing is going on. Another rumor that is very prevalent is that we are going to / to the neighborhood of Baltimore and Washington, of the defences of which Burnside is said to have been appointed to the command. I hope it is true for I am getting pretty tired of East Tennessee and half-rations, and our boys need rest. I should not wonder if it is true. You would not think we were on half rations if you had seen our dinner table to day. We had baked goose, bread, potatoes and coffee—but then we had bought all but the bread. We clerks are trying to get the extra pay of $12# per month which the regulations allow us. If we are successful we will probably get the back pay due us which will amount to quite a neat little sum. There will be about $100# back pay due me. This payment was stopped nearly a year ago and it is now / said to have been done without the proper authority. I have about recovered from my sickness altho' I am not right strong yet. I had was quite sick for a few days: had an attack of severe diarrhea or slight dystenterry. it weakened me considerably but I am now doing well and expect to go out to the front in a few days. I took tea at Kinsloes the other day. It was probably this Mr Ks. brother that father knew. He published a paper in Harrisburg I believe. I am glad to hear that you have found some thing to do and hope that your employment as artist will prove remunerative. You must let me know how you are getting along. Can't you send me a specimen of your skill. Its almost Christmas and I away from home again. I reckon my presents

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