Moscow Tenn

                                                                                                            Dec 18^th 1863

 

Dear Fannie

                        Your welcome letter was received a few days ago and I will answer it immediately as I do not know when I shall have an other chance

 

            It is very uncertain how long we shal remain in this place as we are now under marching orders. the Col. thinks that we shal leave within three days. I dont much care how soon we go for this has been one of the most unpleasant camps in this Campaign. it rained when we came here and has rained almost every day since until yesterday when it cleared off very cold with a chilling north wind which nearly / goes through a fellow. we are very poorly protected for cold weather. poor tents and no stoves or fireplaces with a few exceptions. our camp is on the top of a small hill with no woods to break off the cold wind so we just have to grin and bear it. Lieut Wells has gone into Memphis to buy us some provisions and a stove &c I expect him back to-day. we have lived on hard bread and pork until I can squeal after the most approved manner of hogs

 

            Our horses, or a part of them have at last arrived and Company “A” F. H. & C” are to be mounted in the morning. I have selected a beautiful little sorrel Pony with white face and feet. he is a pacer and very fast. I wish you could see him. he is an exelent rider. it is great sport to see the boys when they water their horses. many / of them probably were never on a horse before in their life, and it was realy amusing to see them get thrown off in the mud which was so soft there was no danger of their being hurt

 

            I expect that we shal now have lots of duty to do as we are mounted and can go through the country very fast compared to our former method of traveling on foot. it is reported that we are soon to march against Jackson Tenn. where there is quite a force of the enemy fortified. we were there last winter but since we left the place the enemy have occupied it and are prepareing for winter quarters they need not be supprised if we drop in on them some morning and eat their breakfasts for them.

 

            I received a letter from / my Mother and one from Sister Teen a few days ago. Kate wrote a few lines in Mothers letter and said she thought I had forgotten that I had a Sister Kate I had not written in so long a time she made inquiries about Fannie and sent her love. she said they all loved Fannie very much and were very anxious to see her, no more so than I am I guess. it seemes almost an age to me already since I was at home. but I suppose it will be a longer one before I can come again. Fannie since I commenced this I received another letter from you written while you were at Nellies I was very glad to hear from you I assure you, but I see my sheet is nearly full and I will close please give my best regards to all and remember me as ever

 

                                                                        Yours only

                                                                                                Frank

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