Harpers Ferry, Va.

                                                                                                            January. 17. 1865.

 

Dear Wife:

                        Having leizure time this evening I will devote a few minutes thereof in writing to you although I may not give you a very lengthy letter. And my reason for a short letter is that news is very scarce, very scarce indeed. This is not an answer to any letter merely one thrown in between the regular ones, knowing that it will prove welcome and acceptable. I trust it will find you well. It leaves me in the enjoyment of excellent health and having easy times. I am still at the Ferry on duty of 3 hours each day, and I am well pleased with my position. Couldn’t be better pleased while in the service. /

 

The only objection I have to my duty here is that while this court lasts I cannot get home but so soon as it adjourns I think I will be all right. I am real confident that I will get off between this and Spring. An order has reached our Regiment granting Furloughs of 15 days So that when you see me coming home you may expect me to stay for that time. Rest easy and content yourself all will be right. The prospects are bright before us. I begin to think the war is fast drawing to a close and peace is not so far off as some might think I have no idea of spending another year in the service.

 

Everything is quiet in the valley as quiet as ever. Our new Colonel is drilling the Regiment and / getting along with it splendidly.

 

We are expecting the Paymaster here next week to pay us the 4 months due us. I will be pleased to see him.

 

Remember me kindly to Lue and tell her I heard she was going to get married. And tell her I wish she may & get a kind husband and never have a quarrel with while she lives.

 

Remember me kindly to Mother, Aunt & Sam Confer.

 

Take good care of yourself Enjoy yourself as well as you can and do not become too much discontented Be gay & cheerful; let time glide by swiftly and some of these days when you are not looking for me you will see me coming home. May be you will be looking for me all the time until I do come— /

 

The weather is vey very pleasant at times and then again it is real cool again.

 

My ever true devoted & undivided

 

Love to you—

            My ever

                        While my name to this as

            Your ever true devoted &

                        Affectionate

                                    Husband

 

                        Lieut. John H. Black

                                    Co. “G” 12 Pa. VCav

 

[upside down] 1865

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