No. 51.                                                                                               

Wood Ville Ala

Feb 22^nd /64

 

Dear Mollie,

this is washingtons birthday & I thought I would write some to day. we had 32 guns this morning. we have not heard eny for some time but I expect we will before long. thare is some talk of our moving before long & I think we will, for we have been here some time. we have had the longest resting spell that we have ever had since we left Davenport. it is a fine thing for we were nearly used up. they are now in fine condition for marching. our sick in camp is not worth mentioning. I think the 31 is good for her share of fight she has never failed yet & I hope she never will. the first at Lookout & the first on Mission Ridge, may we ever be as lucky as we were thare but I am afraid not. 

 

Thare was a general inspection of teams this morning & that is a good sine for a move soon. some think we will go to noxville but it is hard telling. thare is one thing certain we will go whare thare is something to do. it seams as though nothing could be done unless the 15 corps is thare. the 16 corps has moved & perhaps we will not have as much to do this summer as we had last. I hope we may not.

 

well Mary we have just had another mail, but no letter for me. it is 8 days to day & I looked for one. I think it will be along in a day or two. one of our boys got a cag of butter yesterday from home it is very nice. it cost 20 cts at home & the express charges was 10 cts so you see it is much cheaper than we can buy it here. congress has past a law that eny kind / of coten or woolen goods not weighing over 2 lbs. can be sent by mail by prepaying 8 cts. T Ayres got a pair of socks from home & they only cost 4 cts.

 

Tuesday 23, this is a very fine morning we this has been the warmest winter I ever saw. we have not had eny snow & but a litle rain. I would like to live here in the winter season. during the summer months I would rather be north of mason & dixons line for I think it much healthier, at least when the iron & lead is flying & falling like hail. well I dont no as I have much more to write this time I am well & able to eat my regular rations. may this find you all the same for as long as you can do that you are all right.                       

 

good by From

Oliver              to Mollie C Shibly

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