Annapolis Md., Jan. 19. 1862

 

Dear Sister:—

                        I’m some what lonesome and nothing to do, so I will spend a short time in a little confab with you. I heard after you left Boston that you did not feel right because I did not call and see you again while Andrew was so sick from his wound I will tell you just how it was. the next two nights I was at work and before the third day I was induced to go to Readville and enlist I staid there sometime before I could get a furlough to visit Boston and when I did do so I called at the Hotel and was informed that you had returned/ to Manchester. I did not intend to slight Andrew, and would have done anything for him that I was able. I was very sorry for him, but I knew that he was surrounded by friends and would not want for any attentions which they could afford him; otherwise I should have done some what different. I was surprised to hear in my last letter from Sarah and also from Lizzie, that he is still confined with it. It is a great deal worse, it seems, than was thought at first. I hope he will recover soon and fully regain the use of his arm. I suppose your health is not very good at present. You must have had a hard time to take care of Andrew and the children. I hope the coming summer will find you all enjoying the best of/ health and happiness, and that your humble servant will be there for a while to share it. My first campaign was not a flea-bite to what this will be, judging from present appearances and past.—                                               Jan. 30. 1862.

 

            This much did I put upon paper with the intention of a finis. But unexpected duties has kept me from it until today. Yesterday I was treated to a feast of three letters from Manchester, one from you and one each from Henrietta and Sarah. You might have seen me sitting upon a log among the horses devouring the contents of those welcome visitors. You can not imagine the satisfaction of receiving a letter from home by a soldier. I prize a letter from you very highly, for I know you do not do much in the epistolary business!/

 

I thank you for your good opinion of wife Sarah and I will say that I think she merits it. I can not complain of ill luck in the selection of a helpmeet. She carries her her heart in her hand and does not understand dissimulation. Whether she can or will say the same of me is another matter. I send you a copy of my likeness which was taken to-day. It is not a very good one but it rained so hard that I could not get a very nice thing. It will show you the length of my beard, at all events. It was taken by a man in a little shanty in the woods. He makes money like shot! Give my love to the children, Andrew, and all the folks at home. Martin’s wife &c. Tell her I am very much obliged to her for that copy of “Rock Me to Sleep” and also the very kind letter she sent me. Tell her I will answer it as soon as possible. Ours is the only company left here at present, the others having started for Port Royal. We shall start soon for the same destination. Well, Sis, good bye, give my love to sister Abigail, and tell her to send me a letter when she gets time, and ask her if Edwin remembers me. I should like to see him much. I will give you a longr one the next time. From your affectionate brother,

 

                                                            Joe W. Richardson.

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