Camp 10^th [?] St Augustine Fla.

                                                                                                January 29^th 1864—

 

Dear Parents,

                        We are still having the same delightful weather as when I last wrote, quite warm, and a beautiful air. The thermometer when I went to dinner this noon was at 70 it was sixty one this morning at breakfast time, quite warm enough to be comfortable, and just what suit the people here I guess the weather you are having would not correspond with this very well. it seems to me I like cold weather best, although I like this very well and am coming to like it now, as we stay longer in it. I wonder how / it would seem for a man to go north from St Augustine. I think he would be like a snake when cold weather comes, would be all froze up. I wish they would give me a chance to try it.

 

            Elbert is about the same, some days he will feel quite smart, and other days he does not feel near as well. One nice young man died this morning from the effects of an over dose of morphine. he had had a severe toothache, and last evening went to the hospital steward and he gave him some morphine. in the night he got up and went and helped himself; and got an over dose. And this morning when he was found he was so far gone nothing could restore him.

 

Saturday Morn.

                        It is very warm this / morning almost uncomfortably warm.

 

            Last evening there was a meeting of the members of Christian Churches in this regiment, to take steps toward forming a church organization in the regiment, for our mutual benefit, and for the furtherance of the cause in the regiment.

 

            There were a good number present some twenty five or thirty I should think. The subject was discussed somewhat, and seemed to meet the hearty approval of all. A committee of one from each of the principal denominations Congregational Methodist Baptist and Episcopalian was appointed to make preliminary arrangements to report and be decided upon at a future meeting, to be held at the earliest opportunity.

 

            I think it will be a great / benefit to all. by it we shall be enabled to know each other, and to strengthen each other while in the army.

 

            I saw Elbert a little while ago he is about the same. he is feeling very comfortable this morning.

 

            The steamer Maple Leaf came in this noon but did not bring any mail. they were sorting the mail when she left. It is to bad.

 

Monday Morn Feb 1^st

                        To day I have to go across the St Sebastian river on wood choppers guard.

 

Yesterday Sunday we had a very pleasant sabbath. Mr Trumbull gave us a very interesting sermon in the morning. in the afternoon we had Sunday school or Bible class. in the afternoon. In the evening prayer meeting at the church /

 

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I intended to have written more in this letter, but the detail for to day came very unexpectedly and it is nearly time for me to go now. We received a mail yesterday by the Island City. I got to letters from home and one from Cornelia, also some papers was glad to her from you all            William

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