South Mills N.C. Sept 29^th ’63

 

Dear Cousin Alice

                                    Though I am in debt to each of the younger members family to the amount of one letter each, I will first endeavor to cancel the one of long standing which is due you.

 

                                                                                                            Oct 2^nd ’63

I had written thus far when I commenced to shake so with the ague that I found it rather difficult to proceed, so I discontinued my writing till I felt more like holding up my head, which has been for a couple rather inconvenient for me to do. I think now, however through the influence of the Quinine &c which the Dr has been giving/me I have about recovered.

 

You will observe by the date of this that I am out of Virginia & taken a residence for a short time at least in the old Tar State A detachment of five Co’s of us came here about ten days ago on picket duty & to keep a watchful eye on the guerrillas a few of whom infest this region. We expected to have been relieved about this time, but last night rations for ten days more came for us, & I think it very likely that we shall be here two or three weeks. The miserable dirty hole of a place is situated right in the swamp & is the greatest fever & ague breeding place I ever saw or got into in all my life. Still, we get along very comfortably. The duty is light & we can buy edibles of the inhabitants/at a pretty reasonable rate.

 

On receiving a letter from Frank the other evening, I  was very much grieved & surprised to learn of the death of Uncle Barnes, & I feel that I have lost a very near & dear friend. But we certainly know, if we can judge anything of the true state of a person’s heart by their outward life, that his trials & troubles, (of which while here he had not a few) are over & that happiness will be his portion forever more, through all Eternity.

 

Therefore, while we mourn for him, let us be comforted by the thought, that what is our loss is his gain.

 

                                                            Accept my most sincere thanks for your picture which I received in Lizzie’s/letter. I think it a very good one. It is getting latish & I must close. I hope you will consider this worth a speedy answer Direct to Portsmouth as usual. Please remember me to all the family

 

                                                            Your Aff. Cousin

                                                                        R K Woodruff.

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