Co “C” 7^th Reg^t New York.

            Heavy Artillery.

                                    Washington, DC.

            Fort Reno. DC. Dec 20^th 1863.

 

            Dear Friend.

                                    Your interesting letter dated November the 8^th was received on the 11^th of the same month. I did not think then that so much time would pass before I would answer your letter. more than a month has passed away, and here I am seated again to ask your forgiveness, and entreat you not to do as I have done. We were paid on the 27^th of November since then I have been very busy doing errands, putting up money packages to send by express, and writing letters for the boy’s. I carried down $340.00 yesterday to the express office.. /

 

We are constantly receiving recruits in this regiment they get quite a pile of money and I am glad that some of them send their money to their families instead of spending it foolishly or worse. The year 1863 is tottering on the verge of its tomb. soon it will be numbered with the things that have been. The Holidays will soon be here I wish You a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year…Congress is in session now, and has been for two weeks past I have been there four times to see and hear the great men of our nation. They organized soon this year, and went to work in earnest. / Most all seem in favor of using everything to crush the rebellion, and end the war, in favor of the Union and constitutional law. of course Ben, and Fernando Wood, Voorhees, and a few more of that stripe, are in opposition to all that is in favor of the administration, or the government. I think Soldiers pay will be increased. several members have gave notice, that they will introduce bills to that effect….I tell you Edward this “serpent” the rebellion is a hard thing to crush. we have thought, that its backbone was broken several times but the monster lives yet. but not in a very healthy condition. it has got some sores, and severe bruises / that will never heal. it has got so it can not hardly squirm I think every Loyal person did rejoice over the elections this year except New Jersey. and we have had some great victories to gladden our hearts, gained by the unresistable Grant, and his brave heroes of the west. Gen^l Buford’s funeral is in Washington this afternoon. our officers have gone down, his remains will be sent to West Point…We are having very cold weather here it is freezing all day to day…I am enjoying good health. My people in the West were not long since. Also my Wife, and Her family. Give my respects to all inquiring Friends. Write soon as you can to Your Friend and well wisher.

                                                            Stephen R Whitney.

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