Camp Gillmore Ports. Va.

Sept 28^th /63

 

Dear Ari

                        I am in an auful hurry to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and also that Mr Clough is going home on a furlough of 15 days. he starts tomorrow the 29^th day and I didnt know but what you would like to see him. he is going over to see Father one day and if you have any little thing you would like to send to me he will bring it but it must be small. I have been all around to see if I could find something to send to Elmer and you but I cant find anything. there is nothing for sale / here but army goods. so you will have to take the will for the deed but I am in hops the time will come when I can have a chance to bring you and Elmer home a presant my self and I think it will be before long to dont you. I dont mean that I think of comming home on a furlough for it would cost to much for 15 days and besids you did not want me to come home unless I come to stop all of the time. and another thing I should not feel like comming back again perhaps. I should have written yesterday but I did not feel very well. my eyes were weak I guess it is because I have been cleaning muskets and thay / shine so bright that it makes my eyes sore.

 

it is most dark and I must make my letter short.

 

every thing goes on lovely here now. the boys are all out shoveling and chopping every day. I have not been out of camp for a fortnight. I work when I feel like it and when I dont feel like it I lay back and rest. my Capt tells me not to hurry and we have to obey orders you know

 

I think there is a good prospect of our stopping here this winter for some of our Regts are building winter quarters that belong to our Bridgade but there is no telling for we may march in a week or less /

 

I have lit my candle and will try to finish my letter. it is auful cold here nights we cant hardly keep warm but I have a bed large enough for two so we have two blankets to put over us and I sleep as warm as a mouse. I am just as tough as an Indian I can stand hot weather or cold it makes no differance to me. Oh. Clough says he shall go over to Fathers next Saturday the 3^rd day of Oct. if you have mony enough by you go down and see him. I would like to have you, and he can tell you how finely we get along in the army better then I can write it to you. give my love to Elmer and all of the rest. good day S. B. Tarlton

 

[margins]

 

how is Frank and Caddy be careful that you dont get sick yourself and also your Mother. S.B.T.

 

I had sweet potatoes for supper we have lots of them out here  good night S B Tarlton

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