My dear Alice

                                    I received your letter tonight and that contributed so much to my pleasure I wish wish O yes I wish you could only be here tonight. Just got the news of Burnside taking Roanoke island so out wins Ellsworth [?] and the boys. band playing just as loud as it can & boys cheering to the tip top of their voices They have played Yankee doodle three times two times over. Star Spangled White red & blue Hail columbia every time the stop both regiments ours & theirs cheer them so you can imagine the confusion I am in such a joyous one I feel just like I did the night we seen the regiment come home and imagine we are standing at the Park seeing our Regt comeing this time They are playing Star Spangled banner again that tune always puts me in mind of the day we escorted the boys out to the depot and Mrs Marvin & Roser sung it Here comes one of our good jigs we dance often at dances when we have Tompkins [wavy line] and goes like that can you imagine how that is Oh dont I wish you were here just tonight if no longer. Indeed Alice I would almost give my very eyes to come right fresh from camp but you know it would not be policy to do it dont you. Now that I am down here I might as well visit my friends as not but never mind I will tire you a dozen times over with my blab, if I do not come right fresh from camp. The band are playing a splendid opera now. Oh dear I cant enjoy it all alone when I know you love so dearly to hear it The band are old dutchmen fat & homely. Good night I will write tomorrow a long letter this I call but a note are you easy of taking hints, write soon, Your affection. Lizzie

 

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Miss Alice Judson

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