Fort Reno, DC. Oct 29^th 1863.

 

Dear Friend.

                        Your letter dated the 11^th ins^t was received on the 19^th I was home to see my Wife when your letter came to camp. I got a furlough on the 8^th of Oct and arrived in Albany the next day at 20 minutes pas 12 oclock I went up to Mr Houcks hotel I saw John Stafford there and he told me that your loved Sister had departed this life, and was to be buried that day. Julia has left this vale of sorrows and of tears She has gone to dwell with Jesus and the angels. While I am here in camp, and you at home She is in Heaven singing the song of Redeeming love that song which angels can not / sing because they need no redemption She is singing with the bloodwashed and redeemed who have went up through great tribulation in that bright world where all tears are wiped away from all eyes, and where no hearts are pierced with sorrow. May it be our happy lot to meet your Sister when we are done with the toils, and cares of this life. we can go where she is if we give our hearts to Jesus and serve him while we live But She can never come to us…

I saw your name in the Albany Evening Journal among the list of drafted men I guess you will not have or pay three hundred dollars I think you will be exempted. If you come to war I wish you could come to this Regiment 

 

Soldiers Reading Room, Washington DC

                                                                        Oct 30^th 1863.

I am seated in this place once more and will finish the letter I began last night. I have not much news to tell you We remain at the same place everything goes quietly. there is no signs of us moving. we have barracks to live in now they ar very comfortable quarters. we have our rations of candles commuted, and get kerosene oil to burn which makes a very good and pretty light. It is cloudy to day and looks so it would storm soon. I mentioned about a furlough in the forepart of my letter I got leave of absence for ten days which made my visit short I wished that I had time to visit Knowersville to see / the good people who live there and near there, but I did not…To tell the truth I was anxious to get back to camp when I was away I met some miserable copperheads in Saratoga Co. and they nearly spoiled my visit. I hope the voters in New York State will give them as sound a rebuke as Ohio and Pennsylvania & several other States gave them. Oh how soundly did the Ohio Soldiers give it to that miserable traitor Vallandigham. I wish the NY Soldiers had the privilege of voting in the field. Those that are on the sick list will be allowed to go home they will start to morrow night. I am well

 

With much respect I remain

            Your Friend.

Write Soon to…..Stephen R Whitney.

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