Camp Pierpont   Va

                                                                                                            February 14^th 1862

 

“Dear” Sister.

                        Yours of the 7^th dated at cressonas came duly to had a few days ago I was verry glad to hear frome you once more for the letter you spoke of writing before I did not receive and I began to think you was neglecting me. I should have writen sooner but I have been on a visit to “Washington the “Capitol of our “Glorious “Union which so engaged my attention that I did not take time to write at all. The Capitol Building Surpasses anything in grandure I have ever seen. It is one vast pile of highly polished marble. Hence at the same time it is one vast mirror or Looking Glass. The walls are hung with Paintings/of the landing of “Columbus, the Surrender of “Cornwallis at Yorktown The discovery of the Mississippi by “DeSoto, The Portraits of the different Presidents &c Painted by the most celebrated Artists of the age. The floor is inlaid mosaic. Upon the whole it is grand beyond what my immagination Portrayed it before I seen it. After I left the Capitol I took a stroll down Pennsylvania Avenue (The Brodway of Washington) The street was throunged with Army wagons drays Umnibuses Cabs hand carts &c whose rumbling over the paved streets imitated the roar of distant Artillery. The side walks were crowded with officers and Soldiers of the Army. The quick steping buisness man, the Lounger or man about town. The fast man dressed in the Extreme of fashion. and the faster Woman who passes you with a smile and drops a/Card directing you to some Guilded Palace of Pleasure or house of illfame But the rose in her cheeks is artificial and wo to the ones that alow them selves to be won by the wining airs of the Prostitute. I passed the day in wandering around admireing the different buildings of note and paying $1.00 for a coarse bed no better than the hard bunk in camp. I sank to rest weary with walking. the next morning I was glad to get out of the city for I was tired of Sightseeing. But I can tell you about the capitol better than I can write it so you must wait till I see you. Enclosed Pleas find the Photograph of your Brother which I want you to Give to William Grey. You will find one at home for you when reach there. Give my regards to all and tell them I am in excelent health. I have not been on the sick list sence I/Have been a soldier.

 

Tell Alice I have not forgotton her and if I live safe through the war I shall pay them all a visit. Send me Arthurs addres the Letter of his company number of his Reg and capt or Cols name, so that I can write to him.

Give my regards to Andrew when you see him.

 

                                    No More at Present

                                                Frome your affectionate

                                                            Brother Jim

 

P.S. When you get home pleas send me some good paper like this for the paper here is verry poor I could get no better in the city

                                                                        Yours &c        Jim

 

P. S. S. I was disapointed in getting that Photograph I will send in my next

                                                                                                            Jim

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