Headquarters 12 Regt., Cavalry Camp M^cReynolds Co. G

                                                                                                            May 15 1862.

 

Dear Jennie:—Your letter reached me about a half hour ago and I was greatly pleased to hear that you are well and getting along finely, but I was very sadly surprized to hear that you did not get that picture. I had it taken put up in a gutta percha case and mailed to you with the letter and you say the letter you reached you but the picture did not but hope that by the time this comes to hand that you will be the happy possessor of the picture. I hope it may be— /

 

We are still in Camp near the City of Washington and have orders to move to Virginia on Saturday next, but such orders are all in my eye. My opinion is that we will lay here for a month or two yet. That is if we are not sent home before that.

 

I am still well and enjoying myself exceedingly well—

 

I can not say much about the regiment this time, for we have been laying idle for some days past all on purpose to meet the paymaster with a hearty welcome

 

Jacob Walters is sick but says he is getting better, and before another week no doubt he will be ready for duty.

 

Jennie I am really sorry that your Aunt got the varioloid but hope that she is by this time entirely rid of it. So our good friends are still afraid of you. I find no person in camp afraid of me on the account of the disease. / And further we have no Smallpox in our Company or regiment so far. At least not so far as I know.

 

Give my respects to all my friends about there and my love to Lue.

 

I was over the river a few days ago and took a look at the city of Alexandria and saw the house where Col. Ellsworth was killed and I had the pleasure of taking dinner with three of my Newry friends in that City, James M^cIntosh Uriah Benton and Henry Christy. Evans sends his best respects to you

 

Barney is not very well but still not dangerous

 

On the other page /

Well Jennie as the mail is about leaving I will close hoping that you are taking very good care of yourself and further that before too more months roll around I hope to be at home for good, for I think I am am on a good way for it.

 

So with my best love to you I will sign myself your ever true friend as before

                                                                                                            John H Black

                                                            Address same as before

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