Steam Levee Cotton Press Feb 7^th 1864

                                                New Orleans, La.

 

Dear Sister

            I received your letter dated Jan 23^rd and now proceed to answer it. I am glad to see that you are well with the exception of colds which is pretty prevalent all around. I wish to have got a letter from another but it appears that there was none by that mail. I aways like to receive letters from her. my leg remains the same but does not pain me so bad as it used to. I am glad to see Father received my letter and was pleased with it. I suppose the times are hard so we can afford to wait a while longer. I dont know as I should know little Sarah or Freddy when I come home but I must wait till that time comes. which will be in a few months if I am spared till it does. I am glad Father has got my boots I guess they will fix things for me.

 

The reason you have not received letters oftener from me is because there has been nothing to write about and I have got to mention everything this time to make out this.

 

Our Lieut. Col. Flanders and Maj. Connally I think have resigned and some more of our officers for the reason of the Gen abusing them so. and I dont blame them I have almost a good mind to do so to. (if I could) I have been detailed to make out the enlistments papers for our regt. one hundred and sixty have reelisted so far. I guess there wont be any more and I guess they wont get me. three years is long enough to serve in this army. I am having a pretty easy time of it. I dont have much of eny thing to do. I should be all right if I had some money, which cannot be got as officers or soldiers have not got any. I shall be on the lookout for my box. the stockings mother sent me I dont see how it is but they are all worn out, or pretty badly worn. but I have patched them up so they will do some time yet. I have just come in from a walk along the levee of the Father of waters. Steamers and sailing vessels of all kinds are constantly coming and going it would be quite a sight to see a large steamer coing up the squamscot river and ocean vessels. I have got so used to seeing them I dont care much about them, only when a mail steamer comes with some letters for me.

 

There was a grand review of our cavalry brigade. a flag was presented to it by Gen Banks daughter. it was very nice one on the flag was crossed sabres and a figure 4 to denote the number of the brigade. this Gen Dudley is a great man for reviews and inspections. he has one about every day. he made a very nice city soldier but a coward and a drunkerd in the field. I guess we shall not be under him much longer. I hope not There is swarms of pedlers around the camp and the only things they sell, that is good for anything is mashed potatoes and apple pie and it very agravateing to see it and can not get any.

 

The mail has just arrived and I have got a letter from Mother. I am well I will ans mothers letter on an other sheet give my love to all

 

                                                            from your affect brother

                                                                        Reuben

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