Sept the 24^th 1863

Camp Hopefield Arkansas

 

Beloved and affectionate Wife with the greatest of pleasure and much respect it is that I can once enjoy the present oportunity of righting you a fiew lines in answer to your kind and much welcomed letter which I received yesterday and I was very glad to hear from you and to hear that you was all well but I was sorey to hear that little Sarah had got so badley scalded but I was glad to hear that she is geting better 

 

Well Cordeliann I am very sorey that I did not get home when I was so clost home as Decatur but I dont hardley think that it was me that was there but I would not mind getting a little tight if they would let me go home if some body els would pay for the whiskey but when I come home I think that I can come home without getting drunk I wish I was at home with you today But I think the furlows is about played out again but if I can get / one after while I am going to come home

 

The health here is as good as usual I think it must bee a goodeel sicklier there than it is hear Fred Hawk is grunting But I think he is a little hoamsick and then he is in the habit of complaining to get clear of doing duty I think he will get a furlough and then he will get better he can eat just as harty as I can and he looks well enough but you know his turn as well as I do you must not say aney thing / that I rote aney thing about him

 

Well I believe I shall close buy telling you that I am well and harty and full of fun and I hope those fiew lines may find you all well and harty So nothing more at present but I remain your Beloved

Companion

Hugh Bay

to Cordelia A Bay and children

SOURCES