Portsmouth Va.

                                                                                                                        Sept 4^th 1863

 

                                                                                                                            You must excuse me for not writing before. I have received no letters from you since the 23^rd of Aug. but that is not the reason I have not written for I attribute your not writing to the Measles. I intended to have written day before yesterday, but had to go on picket & yesterday did not have time till after the mail had gone There is no news of any importance to write. I take it for granted that you have had the Measles I hope you have not been very sick & have had plenty/of Gin. I though at one time that our prospect was good to soon leave here, but daily it looks more as if we might stay some time. We have to send out fifty men now every day on picket just out of the City. It is an inside picket but the frequently capture a Mail leaving the place for Richmond Oh how I wish this war would “play out” but it must some time or other The paper here is puffing us considerably I send them to you I sent one before with John’s to Nell. I will send another to day. The health of the Regt is good Lt Col. Burpee is back with/the Regt. He has been home ever since I came home sick. I hope Darling if you are sick that you will soon be well enough to write How I wish I could be with you. I was over to Norfolk yesterday it was the first time in a month that I have been over I did not go to see the females yesterday however I went to get some pictures for Ed Wheeler. I am the same old “sixpence” homely but virtuous I must close now I will find more to write next time till then good bye Darling

                                                Court.

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