Fort Reno, DC. Jan 31^st 1864.

 

            Dear Friend.

                                    Your letter dated December the 20^th was received on the 23^rd. I wrote a letter to you the same day you wrote one to me. perhaps we are doing the same thing to day. To day is Sunday and it is very foggy here. it rained yesterday morning and last night. We have had some cold weather here this Winter. We have laid up a crop of ice for next Summers use. the ice is about four inches thick / At one time there was about four inches of snow on the ground. it lasted a few days and then we had about ten days of delightful weather. It was warm as May the thermometer was up to 72^o that ended the day before yesterday since then it has been stormy…Recruits continue to come to this regiment. the 10 original companies aare full and about 60 men in a new company called L. I had a letter from home a few days ago. All were well. I am well at present. 

 

You spoke of the changes in your neighborhood since the year 1863 dawned upon us. surely they were many and sad one’s. Death has made inroads to many firesides and borne loved ones to the tomb…I often wonder why my unprofitable life is spared while so many as good by nature and far better by practice have been called to their accounts. Then I think God is good, merciful, and kind. You wished me a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you I will try and make it so. I suppose / you will do something to add to my happiness by sending me a letter frequently. I will send you a little card, with two doves on it. You can put it in your album. I can not think of anything more at present that will interest you. so I will close, and call it half a letter With me best respects to all inquiring friends I am

 

                                                Yours Truly

                                                Stephen R Whitney.

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