[1^st part missing—should be part of letter of Feb 21/22, 64]

 

was sufficient proof that the box was mine so I got it. our camp is about two miles from the office but I took it and run four or five blocks with it and got on a dray that was so lucky as to go within a few steps of the press we are in. As you say it looks kind of strange to direct my letters as I have directed you to but I see you did not put on the Co B. I guess you forgot to do so. I reckon there are plenty of blue jackets about the streets who have reenlisted. it is all very fine to go home a spend the furlough they are allowed, but when they return and look ahead to two or three years more thats what I look at. The way I look at it is this that a man had better finish one job at a time and if he should be spared to serve the few months he has got to serve, then he can go and have as long a furlough as he likes. if he dont reenlist he will not lose enything, he is sure of $13 a month and if he does not over draw his allowance of clothing the Government pays him for what he does not draw. but I guess I shall not save much this year. the way they are making us draw clothing and other things.

 

I will now say something about the city affairs. Feb 9^th was Madi Grais pronounced (Mardi Gra) I do not know as you know what that that means it is this, the people dress up in all kinds of costumes. weomen dress like men and men in weomens clothes. and all wair masks so as not to be known. at night they have a great masguerade Ball and no one is allowed in but what is masked. they have dresses of all colors and shapes they look funny and amusing. I went up town to see them a crowd passed by me. and quite a number shook hands with me but I could not tell who they were because they were masked.

 

Now about political affairs. The 22^nd of February (Washingtons Birthday) is election day in Louisiana, the candidates for Governer are Michael Hahn (Harn) and –Flanders. I suppose you know that this will be the first Governer this State has had since the war broke out. the General opinion of the people are for Michael Hahn every night most they have torchlight processions and Grand Mass Meetings of the Union Association Clubs. I went to one of the meetings one night followed the torchlight procession to where they had their speaches, which were very interesting. when it was over I come out and wanted a drink of something so I took a drink of water and wished I had some money, looked down on the Bar room floor and saw something like a bill. thought it was a five cent one, picked it up and found it to be a fifty cent one. next day was sunday, it cost twenty cts. to go to meeting where I wanted to on the cars back and forth I went to hear that preacher I have spoke about. (Mr Norten) his text was this “gather not my soul with sinners. Psalm 6.29 I think. he preached a good sermon, and it reminded me of home to hear the organ play and such good singing. had my dinner at the market of potatoes and meat stew and cup of chocolate and piece of pie for twenty cts. that was like home, and now I have so much good stuff I hardly know what to use for my meals. the preserves cant be beat and the butter and cheese cant be found very often around these quarters like them I gave the old chaplain some of the nuts he said they reminded him of old New Hampshire I guess you sent me about all you could think of. they had a grand mass meeting last night. the principle mottoes are about Old Abe, and down with slavery, working mens right, Michael Hahn our Governer on two large American Flags.

 

P. S. Dear Mother, I have just got through eating my supper and feel very thankful for having such good stuff to eat with it. went up to town and saw the great national concert. it was a pretty nice thing to see so many instruments, and the heavy “bass part” of the music being brass cannon. you have heard of Gilmores Band. how it is cracked up well this same man is the same leader. they performed splendid music. it was in the principle Street in the city (Canal St) it was perfectly jammed with spectators. Gen Banks and several other Major and Brigadier Generals were there every available place was crowded as full as could be. I got into a good place and saw the whole performance. The vessels were decked with flags of all discriptions in the harbor. The english man-o-war was decked very beautiful. a perfect rainbow of flags. The national salute is being fired for the third time to-day. everything looks like it used to in times gone by, when peace and prosperity covered the land. I have not heard about the election but I think the vote will go in favor of Michael Hahn. Before I have closed my letter, the mail came and I have received a letter from Lizzie.

 

She has the same news as was in yours. All I have to write about now is about my examination before our regimental Doctor. he put considerable down against my name.

 

I suppose I shall have to go before an other board of Doctors. and then I shall probably know what is going to done with me. I probably shall get eather a furlough, invalid Corps, or discharge. I shant tell you this time. I guess I must close this letter as I think it is enough this time

 

                                                from you affect Son

                                                            Reuben Haworth

                                                            Co B 1^st N. H. Cav

                                                            New Orleans

                                                                        La

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