Camp near Fredricksburgh, Va

                                                                                                            Dec 18. 1862

 

Friend David,

                                                                                                I got to thinking of the folks in Highgate to day, and I have made up my mind I would write to you. I am well and having as good a time as I can, and I hope you are enjoying yourself the same. I often think of you, and the times we have had to gether in old Highgate. I should like to be there to day. we would have some Whiskey Ill bet, if there is any about. I guess we could get some down to Old Miss Dilons in St Albans. You would laugh to see me write. I am sitting on a woolen blanket doubled up and/ laid on the ground, beside a small fire, and the smoke is so thick I can hardly see, but I have got used to it so I dont mind it as much now. The wether is fine here during the day the sun shines as warm as it does in Vt, in May. but the nights are clear and cold. we have had two little snow storms this winter. the first one, the snow fell about 1 inch deep. the other the same. it staid on the ground 2 days and then the weather was fine again. I suppose you have plenty of snow in Vt about thease days I wish I was there to have a good time christmas for I suppose they will have a dance at the City Hotel in Highgate. We have had rather a hard time lately being engaged in a 4 days fight in which our Brigade lost quite a number of men. I suppose you/ heard of it, or will before this reaches you. the balls came close to my head, but none hit me. I wish this war was over, and all the Boys sent home for I can tell you there is not a man, but what is sick of it. I have seen Alfred since I came out here, but he has gone to the hospital now has been gone some time. Roswell Robinson is also in the Hospital in Philadelphia I had a letter from him a short time ago and he was then well and wanted to come back to the Reg^t. Frank Cook has deserted and gone in the Cavelry. I dont think of any more now. write all the news, and every thing els you can think of. is Elvira at Oscars yet, and do you work for him yet who teaches the school this winter What is Dan Frost up to I suppose he is as big as ever, is afraid to enlist/

 

You must excuse all the Questions, for I have not heard from there for a long time tell me what Mr Hyde is driving at, and who works for him, and tell me if old Mrs Houghton is still alive, and who does she live with Mr Hydes folks yet.

 

I guess I wont ask any more questions this time. write as soon as you get this. farewell

 

                                                                                                From Your Friend

                                                                                                            Sidney Parker

 

                                    Direct to

                                                            Sidney Parker

                                                Co. C. 5^th Regt Vt Vols

                                                            Washington

                                                                        D.C.

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