City Point            Oct 27^th 1864

 

            Cousin Mariette

                                                I believe I owe you a letter and here goes to pray you be the same more or less. perhaps you will be surprised when I inform you that I am on my way home, on a furlow. I expect to take the boat tomorrow morning at 9 oclock. the Dr. in charge of the regiment offered it to me so I concluded to take it. yesterday morning was the first that I knew any thing about it. I shall have but a short time to stay only 20 days unless I can get it extended. the last letter I wrote home I told them that I could not visit them before next spring. So I will take them by surprise. mother was very anxious to have me come home. Cant you manage to make us a visit while I am there? I will guarantee that you will enjoy yourself. My time will be too short to make your folks a visit. try to come sure. I will meet you at any point you wish to name. and would be doubly glad to/do so. Now mak up your mind in a hurry. there is a big moove in progress on foot and there will be a heavy fight before this reaches you unless I am much mistaken Every thing is on a moove Hospitals head quarters & all. We have had very fine weather but to night tis commencing to rain.

 

            I have not got time to write much this eve. but will tell you all the news when I meet you at home. I circumstances will not permit you to leave home you will have time to write, you may

            Oak Grove &c

                                                Respectfully your Cousin

                                                                        M. H. Southwick

SOURCES