Camp 38^th Wis Vols

near Poplar Grove Church Va.

 

Oct 13 1864

 

                        I received your kind letter of the [blank] to day, was very glad to hear from you and that you were haveing such good times

I did not know hardly to make of your letter at first but I saw or rather found out who the writer was and then every thing was all right. Where is Libbie staying now? she spoke about the trains arriving just as if she was expecting to go out on that train. I was some what surprised that aunt Lydia had been gone so long. I was intending to write her a letter but as she will be home so soon I dont think that a letter would reach her, so I think I had better wait untill she reaches home.

 

            How are those photographs you got / are they good for anything? Are they any better than those I got while at home. I almost wish you had not got them, as they do are not the right kind that I ought to have. you need not send me only ½ dozen of them. I dont know as I shall need all of them. you can do as you like about exchangeing them. you can do must do it on your own responsibility. I dont want you to understand that I expect you to peddle them around, but if any one wants one, do as you like about letting them have it—act your own pleasure—

 

            Well Kate—between you & I remember—I did promis Alice that I would write, but did not say when only that when we got into winter quarters and I had time I would write. Well just before this last move I got a letter written. it was on Sunday / and that very afternoon we had to move before I could seal it up and mail it. I have it in my portfolio now and some time when we get settled again I may try again, but not untill then. now you recollect and keep this to yourself if you dont I never will write you again—a big threat aint it. I mean it though,—well enough about that. all it amounts to though is that if I take a notion to write, I will, if not I wont.

 

            Who in the name of — is Sam Boyd married to. you never said a word about it only that he was married and boarding at the McNeils. I should think that if Curtis Mower was comeing home he would be there now as his time is out, or rather his 3 years. Do you ever hear from Peter Dane. where is he and how is he. How about that box / the Lt. Col received one about a week ago. He had honey, preserves of all kinds, dried fruit of all kinds, pickles &c &c. He sent some of each kind down to me, and now I want to return the favor. The shirts you can do just as you like about—oh among other things dont forget the farm butter that we want most of anything. The paper & envelopes & pens you can get so much cheeper than I can, get Gillotti 303 pens. I cannot think of anything more just now that I am in need of but if there is I will let you know. I will give you the directions. You must not let Aunt Lydia worry about my ankle, if it bothers me so that I cannot do field service then I will think of getting out & not untill then.

 

            I expect Captain Holton will be here every day and then I wont have so much to do. I am not doing full duty now, that is they dont send me out on picket or on Battallion drill where I have to walk very much.

 

            There was one of our men shot on picket today he belongs to Co 'K' one of our own men shot him accidently wounding him prety badly. How careless some are.

 

            Well I guess this is about as long a letter as the law allows so had better quit. Has Nora Stanley gone yet to Beetown, in her last she said she expected to go in about two weeks. how are the folks up in Menasha & Neenah—Oh, that makes me think that I have not written to Hirams folks yet at Madison. Well I must, some of these days I will if I dont forget it again. I have not received any Madison papers yet it is about time I did, I have a good notion to subscribe for the Journall.—Well my page is full and close I will Give my best respects to all who enquire after this wayward "chile" Yours as ever

           

Love to all of the folks including Mrs B—                                                   

Frank

 

[front margin & overwritten]

 

I received the package of papers this morning—

 

All quiet on the Potomac—or rather in our front

 

There has been some heavy fireing on our right in front of Petersburg Va dont know what it amounted to yet, guess it was a salute fired in honor of Gen Sheridans victories

           

Ever as yours

Frank Phelps

Lieut 'E' Co Comdg.

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