Opposite Fredricksburg Va. Nov 24

 

My Darling Darling Wife

                                                I have neglected to write you for several days I have not much time now but what I have shall be devoted to you Since I wrote that note in John’s letter we have Burried Chaley Staples he died last Thursday at 5 oclock He was sick with a Fever & was left exposed all one day & night without any covering over him it rained during the night & he never recovered/from the exposure Those who had charge of the sick at that time are the ones to blame There is to be an investigation of the case But I dont know as it will make much difference Poor Charley has gone He was the first Non Commissioned officer that died in Reg.

 

We have been expecting from day to day to move and tomorrow I expect we shall surely go The Rebs are in force across the river & therefore we expect quite a Battle. Some say the whole rebel Army is across the river if so we shall fight a Big battle I was dow to the river yesterday and with a Glass could see the rebel soldiers in the streets of the city though not in great numbers, they are back from the river some/distance the same as we are the Pontoon Bridge is ready to throw across and Gun Boats are here to cover our crossing We have a large force here It has been tough times for the last week short rations rain mud & cold but I have got through them nicely (we) the (Trio) have nice comfortable dry tent (by a little extra labor) And money has bought enough to piece out our rations so we have got along first rate If I only have my health it is all I ask for I tell you I think of home some times but I am never home sick I should like to be with my darling Mary that is the most I think of home for The privations I can bear for I know they will not last forever I see/that the papers begin to talk of peace I think after one great victory such as I think the next battle will be we may look for peace God grant it I have not been paid off yet my wages are nearly half a hundred now dont know when shall get them nor dont care. When my money is gone I shall send home for more But I have some yet Things that you by out here are outrageos high (Boots $25. pr pair 4 cent papers of Tobbacco sell for a quarter But I don’t indulge in luxuries I by such things as Beef Steak & Liver The last letter I received from you was dated Nov 4^th I rec’d it yesterday write all the news when next you write Nell Brown wrote that you was “knocked up” is it so It cant be my love to mother                 

Court

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