Camp at Warren Station, Virginia

Feb 9^th 1865.          

    

Dear Parents

                        It is a beautiful morning the air is chilly but it is good healthy weather. The storm which was raging when I last has given place to fair weather. The raid is over and I believe they accomplished all that was intended, but our loss was severe.

 

                        Our first Division has returned to their old camp, but owing to the late movement which was for the purpose of extending our lines, our Corps has to move father to the left of the old line. They will / go into the old quarters of the 2^nd Corps. Your letter came to hand day before yesterday and it was very unexpected I assure you. I wasn't looking for one until after you received mine.

 

            You were perfectly right in opening that letter. I am very glad you did so. I meant to tell you before I left but I forgot all about it and I forgot all about the ring until I got on board the boat and took off my gloves. I dare not leave it with Aunt Clemmy as Ged or Henry might get hold of it, and that would be the last of it.

 

Gedney had found no situation yet and Aunt was awful angry with him for coming back so soon. she didn't look for him back in a / month or so, but he couldn't be away from the Lady love any longer. I guess he will go in the Navy again.

 

I will take good care of the ring and the first big envelope I can get hold of I will send it home.

 

I know you must have felt lonesome after my departure, but time is fast flying away into the vast ocean of the past. the winter months are well nigh fled and we must wholly confide in God for the future.

 

            And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you, seek, and ye shall find, knock, and it shall be opened unto you.=Luke=x7=9.

 

            I am very sorry to learn that Anthony Haggerty has / taken from his family for its a sad blow to them, but God doeth all things well.

 

            Tell Massey she must not fall in love with Charlie Brown for I believe he is married. I forgot to mention that black teapot she sent me last winter I dont see how I forgot it either. The letter came to late for me to get the boots & hat for the Boys, but I can accommodate them with the stamps.

 

            You say it was snowing when you wrote. it snowed just before I got in Washington and then turned to rain and froze as fast as it fell to the pavement. I put up that night at the American House but I have a softer bed in my shanty here than the one I slept on that night. I took a pillow and put under my hip and Charley managed to get between two slats, but we did sleep I tell you, for we were up / before daybreak at Aunt Clemmy's and we were pretty well tired out and could have slept in the street if it hadn't rained so hard. I got my blankets all right at the place I left them in Washington. I got along with my box first rate but it became heavy enough to throw away many times. The Boys are all well. I hope this may find you in good health. tell John to take very good care of himself and not take cold for February is a bad month. I hope to hear from you soon very soon

 

            My love to Grandma. tell Major to let me know when the wedding takes place. I would like to be around. ask / him if he could conveniently put it off until August or the first of September.

 

            But I have said and now I will drop my pen.

                                   

Your loving Son

Albert.

SOURCES