Opp. Fredrickburg Va. Dec 25

 

My Dear Darling Wife

                                    To day is—Christmas & I wish you a “Merry” one It is a pleasant day with us The birds are singing and it seems like spring tomorrow it may be cold enough to freeze one. That is the way of the weather out here. It begins to appear strange why I do not hear from my darling I have not had a letter since yours of the 11^th. I have been negligent/about writing. but I am foolish enough to expect to have letters as regularly when I do not write as when I do The last letter I wrote I fear you was not able to read It was written in haste & before it was finished got pretty well soiled. If you cannot read it lay it one side and I will help you when I come home We live now in a state of uncertainty the camp is full of rumors Some are that we are going into winter quarters near Washington or at Alexandria others that we are to try the Rebs. another pull I cannot tell which if any are true I do not pay much attention to any of them a few days will decide what we do I hope it will be winter quarters   *   *   *   *—The trio have just finished/their dinner (Their Christmas dinner) Perhaps when I tell you of what it consisted you will think it coarse for Christmas But we consider we have had a feast Our Bill of fare was Boiled Pork. Johnney Cakes & Stewed Apple. A number have got their discharges & expect every day to start for home Among them are three from our Co. Stephen Peckham of Milltown—Gallamore of [?]town & Steddman of Laurel Glen. I wish I was among the number. During the late Battle Agustus Terwilliger of Milltown skedaddled & has not been heard of since He was we think taken prisoner by the Rebs. A number also staid back in camp when we marched across the river Their names are to be published in the Connecticut papers Joe. Pitcher was/among the number. The Col. called those that went the “Brave 550” Enclosed you will find my Bounty check for ten dollars it is the second payment on the $35 which I get yearly from the state The first ten was paid with the other Bounty at Norwich I have made it payable to you all you will have to do is endorse your name on the back & you can get it cashed at any bank I wish I had had a few hundred dollars out here I could have doubled it on these checks the boys sold them for whatever they could get which was from $5 to $8. I shall have to ask you to send back about four dollars as I am on my last dollar I spent what I brought as judiciosly as I could most of the boys brought more that I did and they are out John has sent home for the same amount that I have Uncle Sam owes me over for sixty now I dont know when I shall get it probably not very soon Send the money in Postage Currency by mail I think it will come safe

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