Fort. Kearney. April 15^th 1864

 

Dear. Friend Edward.

                                    It is with Great pleasure that i now embrace this oppertunity in sending a few lines to you and hope you will excuse me for my long delay and i will be more punctual the next time. as for my health it is excelent and hoping this will finde you and all of your friends enjoying the same blessing. we have butifull weather at present a great many of the farmers has sown there oats and some have commenced making Garden but our leighbour (Labor) is one thing the year round summer or winter /

 

i saw Johney Westfall to day he and Elias is both well and Mr. Whitney allso. now Edward Concerning the war there is and has ben a great stir and a great many regts leaving here for the front and there is no doubt perwhat you will hear of some desperate battles being fought during this summer but providence has faivourd our regt. by not leading us in battle and the prospects is that we will stay where we are for the defence of Washington, and we are contented to do so. our regt is now full numbering 2000 men and nearly all well Drilled Soldiers, excepting a few new recruits. the health of our whole regt. is as good as can be expected / for such a large number of men so close togather. the principle ones that are sick are mostly new recruits, not being accustomed to the climate. now Edward i tell you one thing we must all pull togather this fall if we live so long and we will elect Olde Aabe (Abe) by a Large Majority in spite of Mc.Clellan. and all the Northern copperheads. if the Soldiers is allowed to vote he is shurley elected again for you can take us all through and there will be 7 out of 10 that says he ought to keap his seat untill this war is setled if it should last 10 years, and i think that you and a great many more of your friends will agree with me on that / if you can get the full returns of the town meetings in your County i wish you would send it to me. i shall send you a paper in a few days so now Edward it is getting late and i have nothing more at present of any importance to wright and i hope you will excuse this short letter and poor wrighting for my Bonk is jaring all the time by the boys scuffling so now i will close this by sending my best respects to you and all enquiring I remain your Affectionate Friend. Guilbert. Keenholts

7^th regt N. Y. V. Artillery

Co. D. Fort Kearney

                        Washington D. C

 

please answer as soon as you can make it convienient

 

Give my respects to James

Merselus & family

 

So good night

SOURCES