Head Quarters 165^th Regt. N.Y.S.Vols.

                                                                                    Franklin, La., January 13^th. 1864.

 

            My dear Parents:

                                    Your kind letter of Dec. 20^th/63 containing the acceptable Christmas gifts was received on the 10^th instant; I would have answered it ere this—but I have had no time until this morning being on duty as Bugler de la garde.

 

            You cannot conceive how happy I felt upon opening the letter and discovering the portraits—it only wanted dear mother’s portrait to make my happiness complete. George Shaw, a very nice young fellow—a member of Co. “A”—upon my showing him the portraits—fell in love with Jennie’s—and insisted upon my allowing him to keep it—which of course I refused; he then requested me to allow him to get it copied—provided I could obtain the consent of Miss Jennie.—What does she say in regard to the matter? Write and let me know.

 

            You recollect I promised to send home $10 next pay-day—I wish you would release me from that promise until some other time. My reasons for asking is this: The regiment is going to have / a Zouave ball next month—and every member present is supposed to contribute towards defraying expenses—not only that I owe the following amount—$2.00 to the Sutler for tobacco—$1.00 borrowed of Dr. Hubbard—$3.00 for getting a wooden shanty built—and $1.00 for an undershirt bought of one of the members.—all of which I have to pay this pay-day. And then I would like to buy some stockings—and a pair of stout sewed shoes suitable for marching. the latter will cost from $6.00 to $8.00. This will settle up all I owe in the regiment—some of which are of three or four month’s standing. I will endeavor to keep out of debt hereafter.

 

            I fully appreciate your kindness in offering to send me pipes and tobacco—but I assure you I can get them quite easily without your doing so.—it would only be a needless expense if you was to send them.

 

            You mention that John had salt beef and hard tack for Thanksgiving dinner. What do you think I had for Christmas dinner? A piece of fresh beef and hard tack—for dessert I had the chills and fever.

 

            New Years night a band of negro minstrels composed of members of our regiment gave a performance in the theatre at New Iberia. we had a splendid time. 

 

            We left New Iberia on the 7^th inst. we expect to remain in Franklin a month or two and then leave for Texas by way of New Orleans. Direct letters and newspapers to Franklin—and put Bugler before my name—there is a distinction between privates and musicians.

 

            I hope you will overlook the fact that this is written a la lead pencil—but I have no pen and ink.—

 

            Give my love to all the family—and don’t forget my salute to the “small ‘uns”.

 

                                                                                                I remain

                                                                                                Your Affectionate Son

                                                                                                                        George—

SOURCES