Camp 20^th Army Corps Detachment

Chattanooga Tenn

Jan. 2^nd 1865

           

My Dear Parients

                                    Your welcome letters of Dec 2^nd and 6^th I recieved a few days since and you cannot imagine how glad I was to hear from home again! As you will percieve by the heading of my letter I am now in Convalescent Camp or the camp of the Detachment from our Corps

 

I left the Hospital soon after I wrote you last I did not like staying there at all This camp is the most miserable place I ever was in I believe Our rations have always been short, but as soon as Reb. / Gen Hood got on the R.R. between here and Nashville we were cut down to half rations and they were small enough. I dont know what I should have done if I had not had money to buy bread at the bakers down in town I have seen men pick up mouldy hard bread from the mud and eat them. I lent money to some of the boys of our Regt that were here but will get it again as soon as we are paid. Which I cannot tell when that will be. Our rations for 24 hours were half of a small loaf of bread a very small piece of raw fresh beef a small spoonful of sugar (enough to sweeten one cut of coffee) and a small spoonful of tea or coffee, about enough / for one meal and then those that had no money must wait untill the next night for another meal. But I hear we are to get full rations now. if so we shall have plenty. I dont know the reason why the rations were shortened unless the Commanding General was afraid Hood would keep the road cut and we should be compelled to evacuate or starve. So you can see what kind of a Christmas and New Years we had here in Chattanooga. My health is not very good but I think I can stand it. I have not much duty to do only now and then a little camp guard. furloughs are out of the question several applications have been made but none granted yet. I recieved both of the shirts you sent me and / they are just what I need this cold weather for tis almost as cold here as at home I believe. One thing I forgot to tell Wood is so scarce about here that we have to draw it the same as rations We get a small hand arm full each night. I wish I could get back to the Regt I suppose they are at Savannah now. It has been rumored several times that we were to be sent there but nothing definite is known for that reason I would not write to have you write only in answer to my letters and send nothing of value. But my head aches so I cannot write more now Direct to Convalescent Camp Chattanooga, Tenn. that is the best direction I can give. With much love to all I remain your affectionate son,

Henry—

 

I am not discouraged one bit by the hard times. I am for the Union now and forever Hurrah.

 

[margin]

 

I wish I could go and help Sherman siege Charleston He is the gentleman that can take it—Billy Sherman is the boy.

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