In Camp near the

Convalescent Camp

Jan 20 1863.    Va

 

Respected Parents,

                        Your letter stating you had sent me a box on the 7^th I rec'd and answered it. I had not rec'd the box then, but last night the 19^th I rec'd the box. the only part which did not come safe was the bottle of catsup which was broken and the head cheese had become tainted the outside of the bolognas had moulded, the rest was all good, and I assure you very acceptable. The tools are just right, and if you will just send me the cost of them I would like it. The cakes are nice and remind me of home. The duties of the Reg. are now quite tedious but we soon will get used to it 

 

To day is our second at the Convalescent camp. We are on every other day. It takes 4 Co's one for the barracks and 3 for the whole camp Each Company forming a relief standing 2 hours on and 4 off. The number of posts is 58. and I acting as officer of the guard to day went the rounds. it takes nearly an hour to go round the camp. It will be some lighter when they get them into the barracks the buildings are 100 feet long and 25 feet wide with bunks built on either side, warmed by stoves. There are 50 of these buildings finished and under way, besides cook buildings of the same size. When the arangements are complete and the grounds policed it will look quite respectable. Our orders are now if one disobeys the orders of guard he must shoot him. / As yet nothing of this kind has happened but we are prompt in our duties and they see we mean to do it, let the consequences be what they may. I think if we continue to do our duty we shall remain here the rest of our time. I wish you could visit the camp and judge for yourself on the appearance. I think you would be the same as mine which is this, ¾ of the men now here are better able to be in the field than those now there. They play it good in camp they line up around with a cane all doubled up but as soon as they get their discharge papers in hand down goes the canes and off they go with loads on their backs, which would astonish you. We are in a very pretty place. how it will affect the health of the men / I know not but it is quite damp here now. All we want is a Col the men will like. It seems curious we cannot have one. We are quartered in Sibly tents, and to make them more comfortable we are going to stockade them. We raise them on logs about 4 feet in this manner [picture of tent] I have 12 in my mess all good men and peacable.

 

My health is good and am heavier than ever before, weighing 147 pounds I am glad Walter is getting better Susan writes well Tell her to write often. Send me the size of your fingers. Yours, Mothers, Susans and Walters, and I will make some rings. Give me the size of the finger you wish to wear it on just take a strip of paper and measure them and fasten the ends together.

 

I have no more time to write more now as our relief goes on soon.

 

Accept my heartfelt thanks for the articles sent and hope I may be able to repay you.

 

            With regards to all and love to all the family. I remain your

                                                                       

Affectionate Son

Albert

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