Alexandria, VA.

February 14^th, 64

 

Dear Father & Mother

            it is sunday afternoon and I have a little time to write so I will improve it by writing to you I wrote Ann a letter and mailed it this morning we are well now Henry has a bad Cold but is not sick we are at the Soldiers New Rest a place apurpose for New Recruits to rest, before going into Camp we may be here sometime and we may go to Camp tomorrow the Soldier dont know one minute what he is to do the next it is 60 miles to the Front where the main Army is stationed, by Railroad I have not seen or heard from Arthur Okeef yet my health as yet is firstrate we had a long ride from the Rapids to here where we are now, but I stood it well thare was a good many sick on the road and several go to the Hospital daily with the Measles and Disentary they buy all kinds of trash of Pedlers Which makes them sick I Can live on my Rations very well I spend no money foolishly there is Boys that left the Rapids with $75 and have not got a Dollar left to get Paper and Stamps with I feel anxious to hear from home I have not heard a word as yet I should like to know how the little felow Luther Henry is

 

Stevensburg, VA.

Feb. 18^th 64

 

Dear Father and Mother

            We have at last Arived at the Regiment safe and well our Regiment is on the extreme front line on one mile from the Rebbels doing Picket Duty Okeef and all the Boys are here I saw Mr. Crum this morning we have not got our Horses yet expect them evryday our Colonels name is George, Gray we build our own Huts of logs get our Rations Raw and Cook it ourselves which we like to do we are liable to be Driven Back, any moment we are on the Rapidam River which is the line between the Rebbel and union Forces I saw James Morely he is well and fat, Mother I want you to write me a letter with all the news in it I will write again soon Meanwhile I remain your Obedient Son Lyman to his Mother & Father Jerry & Betsey Wilsey

 

Direct to Lyman A Griffith

Mich. 6^th Cav. Co. F

Washington D.C.

 

let Ann Read this

love to all the folks tell Ann to write me how many letters she has Rec from me

            tell Lide I will write her soon we are busy building our huts now I shall write to Ann in a day or to take good Care of the Babies for me and God will let your son Return to reward you for it                                                           Lyman A. Griffith your son

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