Camp of the 15^th C V Jan 10^th 1864

 

            Dear Cousin Frank,

                                                Doubtless you will think me a long time answering your two letters, but you know my infirmity therefore I need not make very lengthy explanations. You perceive however that I have at last commenced to perform my long neglected duty. Perhaps Royal & Lizzie will think that they have a prior claim, but if I don’t get time to enclose with this a few lines to them directly, you must let this be considered a family letter I wish I had some news to tell you but all’s quiet on the East/Branch & along the line. Christmas & New Year’s have both passed with but little variation in the regular routine of duty. On Christmas however a little jollification took place in the Reg’t in the shape of a sack race, greased pig race, climbing a greased pole &c &c. All passed off with considerable “eclat”, but would however have terminated much more quietly & peaceably, had it not been for the presence of that arch fiend whiskey, always the destroyer of real pleasure, whether in civil or military life.

 

As usual so here, affairs ended in a regular scrimmage among certain one’s who were what is called “most gloriously tight.” Come to think now, it was New Year’s day instead of Christmas./

 

You needn’t think I’m not perfectly sober because I happened to make that mistake. I was on picket, Christmas. We have been having some quite cool weather for this part of the country, some snow & ice. I tell you what Id like to be able to go skating with you on the pond as you spoke of in your last. But then that isn’t what I came to war for, so I will be content.

 

There has been considerable reenlisting going on here, in fact it has been going on bravely in the old regiments. The 8^th has reenlisted almost bodily & starts tomorrow morning for home, (as a regiment,) on it’s furlough. Our regiment is not quite old enough yet to be allowed the privilege of reenlisting, but it is reported that we are going/to be permitted to do so as soon as we have been out 18 months, which will be pretty soon. With me it will not make much difference how it is, for I shall probably be in the army as long as the war lasts be it long or short, (if I live that length of time.) so I guess I had better reenlist in order to get a furlough for awhile. There are scarcely any furloughs granted now to ecept to reelisted men, there are so many of those absent. It is getting late & I must close this, it is not much of a letter I know but perhaps it will be better than nothing Give my love to all the members of the family, reserving for yourself a big piece

 

                                                            Your aff cousin

                                                                        R K Woodruff

 

P.S. I forgot to mention that I have received the Independent regularly, & am very much obliged for their being sent; I have written to Aunt L concerning their continuance. Please write soon & manage to spin out a trifle longer than your last.

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