Oct 13^th/63 Headquarters 116^th

 

Regt N.Y.S.Vols half way between Berwicks Bay & Alackzandra in the field on picket to day.

 

Dear Madam as I have a little time at leasure I thought I could not spend it to better advantage than in answering your kind letter I received in due time. I have not got the time or conveneiance of writing that you have or that I would have if I was at my home but you will excuse poor writing and dirty paper as I have not any place to keep it except in my pocket and know place to write but on the ground and to be honest I am obliged to use my plate for my writing desk. I will not make any more excuses for you will not like to read so much nonsense. I will now describe/the posission of our armey. we have got in all about 25,000 inf^t 2,000 cavelry. 2 reg^t artillery this is the number we have got here also we have got 15,000 coming down the Red River to meet us we have some hopes of clearing La of rebs before long. we have got in the rear of about 7,000 of the enemy they are incamped 5 miles from here we march from 10 to 20 miles each day. the men are verry healthy and in good spirits My health is exceedingly good. when I wrote to you before I was to work in the hospital. I am now in the company. I remained with the hospital untill the 17^th of Aug^t and as all of the men that was wounded eather got well or died or went home on furlough and my help was not needed I returned to my C^o/

pleas except my thanks for your compliment in your letter saying you wer glad that I thought so much of myself to act in the capacity of hospital nurse with so much pleasure as I did. I tell you Miss Hutchins it was a great trial for me to be in the room with 100 men Some wounded some sick with numerus deseases, some dieing, some groaning, some wishing for their friends to come, some to have grim death to visit them and take them out of their misery, some laughing, some crying, some swearing, some praying for the grace of god to help them bear their pain, and pleading for things to numerus to mention. you also mentioned the circumstances in which you were placed. the place you are trying to fill is a very responcible one and can never be. although I do believe you will do your best to fill it. I would like to/call on you to night and take supper with you. prehaps you would have objections but I think you would not. I have not had any letters from Hattie in two months! I should have mentioned before this the time I received your letter it was the 8^th you will see by the date of this that I have not neglected to answer yours. I will close by asking one favor of you. that is I wish you to send me your likeness in a letter I will send you mine if you wish it but circumstances will not permit at presant. I will send you one dollar in this letter for the perpus of geting your picture. you may think me allmost to free being our corispondance has been short. if you wish to keep corispondance up and will do do so you will oblige your friend

                                                                                                Stephen A. Matthews

Direct your letters as before

116^th Reg^t N. Y. S. V. in care of Cap^t E. W. Seymore C^o D. New Orleans L^a

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