I do not know as I can do better than to keep on writing as there has not any mail come in and I am told there will none go out until one comes in. I am feeling quite well for the last day or two it makes me feel as though I ought to be with them. Jimmy Mead had a barrel of apples come in this express, from Stephen. Knowing they had been some time on the way and not knowing how long it might be before he would be able to get them, I opened them and sorted out those that were entirely decay and those that were decayed the worst and headed them up again I fear there will not be many / of them worth much by the time he gets them.

 

Thursday 18^th Eve. In the paper to night we have some account of the battle of Kingston. it gives it credit for doing well, as usual. Capt. Wells of Co. E. and 1^st. Lieut. Perkins of Co. A. the regiment suffered most severely of any no particulars are given. The Colonel of the ninty sixth New York who was in the seven days fight before Richmond and fell while leading his regiment across a bridge into Kingston. It was said to be on this wise that he was shot. The rebels threw down their arms on the bridge one of them stuck up so that when the bridge had burned to it, and exploded shooting / him through the heart, he was brought to this city lashed on one of the cannon that was captured. In the paper to night we learn that Goldsboro and Weldon are both taken. I hope it may all be so.

 

Sat. eve Dec. 20.

                                    It is with feeling of sorrow I have taken my pen to write a few lines to you this evening. Our expedition is on the return. even now General Foster and the advance guard of cavalry have returned Our quartermaster, and quite a number of stragglers have come in they rode in the baggage waggons, sorroful indeed is the report they / bring of the gallant old tenth They are said to have charged over the top of four regiments who were lying down, charged on a burning bridge extinguised the flames, and drove the enemy capturing a stand of south Carolina State colors. But at what a cost. one hundred and four are reported killed and wounded. Sixteen in our company. I cant hardly believe it but I do not know but I shall have to. Jimmy Mead is reported wounded but I’ll wait until they get in then I will write more particulars. We received a mail this morning I received two letter one of the fith one of the 12^th Saying that you were about to send a box Some of our company having arrived I will write some more.

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