Norfolk Va.

Oct 14^th 1863.

 

My Dear Mamie,

                                    I have rec’d two letters from you since I wrote last, & this morning I will give my whole attention to you. I wish you were here that I might give it you in person. I am filled with bitter reproches against myself, one is you know sometimes when they have done no wrong out of the daily common course of their daily sins and as it is never to late to repent I propose to turn over a new leaf this morning. Do not form the idea that I have been guilty of/any thing new or that any of my failing are very bad for I love you darling to well to commit any great sin. You asked me to tell you in what respect this was a bad place for some of the boys It is in the same respect that all cities are bad places for some. It is a bad place for some to become dissapated & then there are so many d—d hoars & all of the meanest stamp & some of the boys will have something to do with them & nine out of ten as does generaly make a job for the doctor. But you need not be alarmed for your Court. for he is safe even with virtous women. I have formed the acquaintince of several young ladies & in order that there may be an understanding from the commencement I tell/them that I am married & then show them my darlings picture which I think more of than all the women that I ever saw As I set here in my room writing feel that I am not half thankful enough for being situated as I am. It is hard to be a soldier but except for being seperated from you darling, my lot at present is very pleasant indeed. Ed Wheeler has returned to the Regt. & he stays with John & me. You will recolect when I was home I thought I had the Itch well I have had it ever since & now it has got to be quite troublesome I have been taking Sulphur & cream tartur but that does not help it & John having it we bought some ointment of a French doctor & John tried it &/got poisened I dont think I shall try it although we paid a great price for it I expect to have mine seven years as I believe it is that kind so look out to catch it when the war is over & I come home John has sent home for a coat & some other things & when they send them I wish you would send me some shirts & collars I would like two fine ones but dont want that best one I have forgot whether I have two beside that or not. I would like one of those wollen ones also, those that I bought when I was home were a dead loss for they shrunk so that I cannot get them on. The collars I want large enough 15 inches is the size. & now I must clos my love to mother Good bye Darling                               Court.

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