#7

                                                                                    Port Hudson Sept 14^th 1863.

 

                                                                                                            Dear Sister

I at first thought I would write a note to some one and find out wheather thare was aney such persons or family as the Bartells in the town of G. I have anchiously waiting every male for a letter from home but dissappointed evry time so I resolved to write once more and see if thare was one that would write to me I have offten assured you and all that I would not delay in answering your letters. When we are in camp and plenty of chan / ces to write and sometimes when I feel like it I sit down and write but one situated as I am gets tired of that when he does not recive aney in return. Im sure thare enough of you to write if you think enough of a fellow the time passes off a great deal faster and happeyr if he gets a letter now and then. One who has parents and Brothers and Sis. at home. I dont think it would hurt to write even if you dont have a letter to answer. Please tell father to write a letter to me if it would not be to much trouble for him. I / shall be very happy to recive one writen by him. he was much a little vaxed at me or sorey to have me go perhaps thot I would never see home agan but I think I shall and have never thot otherwise and I am not sorey I went away I have seen a little of the world and learnt what it is to be away from tose that are dear to him me I am in hopes that I may safely return and meet you all thare. I shall save what money I can this last year we have only 11 eleven Mon more and that will pass away before we are aware of it I feel it my duty to / do all I can to help father along he is getting old and has had a great deal of misfortunes as long as I can remember. Fred and Hank will be large boys agin I get home and will begin to be of some help if they try. I have sent by Col Bassett $(60) Sixty dollars which I think father will have recived by this time if it went throo safe. I cant think of aney more to night so I will close with the hopes I will heare oftner from home I remain

ever your affectionate Brother

 

                        John. B. Bartell.

 

Remember my love

to all and write soon and as often as you can.

                                                                        To Agusta. G. Bartell.

SOURCES