Elmira, New York

Nov 5^th 1864.

           

Dear Sister,

                                    Mary, yours of the 23^rd ult. directed to Annapolis, Md. I rec'd day before yesterday. I should have wrote to you when I first came here, but I stopped at home when I came along, and Father had just come from Delmar, and he said that you were coming out to South Creek in a few days, so I did not write. I expected to see you, and when I rec'd your letter the other day, I thought it would not pay to write, for you would be out here before you / would get my letter, but as I am all alone today, I have made up my mind to write to pass away the time, even if I do see you before you see this.

 

            I dont know that you are aware of my being here. I have been here since the 14^th of Oct. on duty with the Rebel Prisoners. I have not done anything for the last week. I am on the sick list, not sick though. My wound has broke out again, and is very sore. I think I will go home in a day or two. I have made an application for a leave of absence for twenty days on a Surgeons Certificate of disability. I expect it back today. I hope it will come, for I would rather be / at home this cold weather.

 

            Mary, I did write to father that I would help Wallace buy the Anthony Thompson farm, if George has not used the money. I wish he would bring it out, and let Father have it. I had rather help Wallace buy this farm, for you see I cant go into the woods and work, as I could once, and I dont think I ever will be able to work as I have heretofore, but such is the fortune of war.

 

            I was at home last Monday night, the folks were all well, so hoping to hear from you soon, and see you sooner, I will close. My respects to all,

           

from your Brother, as ever              

Capt. W^m Chase.

Elmira, N.Y.

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