Steam Levee Cotton Press

                                                            New Orleans   Feb 8^th, 1864

 

Dear Mother

            The mail has just arrived and I have got your kind letter which answers the question that has bothered my head for so long a time and that question is about reenlisting for another term of service. I have been detailed as clerk for the Lieut. who is recruiting officer. I have had my detail about a week so I do not have any company duty to do. I am having an easy time of it. I do considerable writing and have considerable discours with the officers. I write in the Colonels office. One hundred and sixty have reenlisted in our regement seventeen in our company. at first I thought I would, but after considerable one way and the other I concluded that I would not. I am going to get over this last year and make all I can out of Uncle Sam and see how my account stands. when one job is finished. It appears that you have not received a letter from me for some time. the reason for that is, there has been so little to write about I did not care about commencing a letter my last one you will see to over a weeak each before they were finished. As to my bodily health it has good: have not been sick at all.

 

You speak about the expiditions on foot at New Orleans. I guess I shall get out of them. My Lieut. is expecting his commission as commissary of sussistance and I guess he will give me a chance as clerk for him so I may not have to go. the Colonel talks pleasantly with me and I know he know I cannot ride with my leg in the condition it is in so you must not be at all alarmed I calculate that I am old enough to play my part well. The trouble about Port Hudson is only some gurrilars belonging to the rebel Gen Logan. he has some fifteen hundred men poorly armed who are roving about annoying our pickets a little. let our cavalry get after them and they had better look out. The horse I had belonged to another man. I was taking him to water, thought I would get on his back. he thought he would through me. as you say it will be a great stroke to the rebellion when they find out that all the old regiments all reenlisting for the war. as I said in the first part of my letter it just settle the question about me. It is bad about John W Jones. I am sorry for him and his folks. but we must all hope for the best.

 

It is all very nice for Genness Paul to talk as he does. but if he was in this regiment I dont believe he would talk so. it is a pretty hardened regt. I have not read a chapter in a testament dont know how long. I talk no interest in reading. I feel very thankful for health being so good but somehow or other I take no interest in spiritual matters. I think I must bring my letter to a close give my love to all enquiring friends for more news look in Lizzies letter. give a kiss for me to Sarah and Johnnie.

 

                                                                        I remain

                                                                                    your affect Son

                                                                                    Reuben Haworth

                                                                                    Co. B 1^st New Hamp

                                                                                                Cavalry

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