Helena                                                                                                 

Nover the 22, 1862.

 

Dear wife, here we are at our place of destination camped in the timber about two miles from the river the boys are all well & feel well. thare are agreat meny troops here now it is estimated that there is between five & six thousand here now the ninth is camped about 2 miles from here. some of the boys was here last night & some of our boys went with them. we are camped on a side hill in timber whare thare is plenty of beach & oak I think it is a healthy place I saw John Weeks yesterday the 24 is camped here & some of the Illinois troops I dont know if Dow is here or not he is in the 127. we have just drawed our tents so we will halfto tent it here after. our tents are small, only / large anoug for two. Vrooman and myself will tent together for the present I under stood yesterday henry & our Captain would be along to day. they have not come yet. two of our boys have died with the measels, which we left in camp one of our drummers has the measels now. I have not heard from him to day you have heard his name it is House, John knows him. I received your letter yesterday after we landed which you wrote the 30 Oct & was glad to get it but I would like to hear from you oftener. it is a great pleasure for me to read a letter from you therefore I think you will rite oftener. you wrote that / you got those things I sent you that picture is a very good one but the one I sent Mother is better. I had it taken siting. therfore it is a better picture. Clarence poor boy I am glad he knows my picture. you wrote that Joseys girl was sick poor litle thing I hope she is well before this she was poor anough when I saw her last. Major Carpenter went home. I suppose you have seen him. I saw John Weeks I sent a sachel & tha crock & jug by George Fields which I suppose you have got befor this

 

I wont write eny more this time. Good by this time From your Husband

O Shibly /

 

some of the boys have been out & just got back. they saw a large field of cotton unpicked it is about a mile from camp. I will go & see it to morrow

 

I might write all night & then not get through. it is sun down, now goodby, Mollie

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