Near Warrenton Va. July 31^st/63

 

My Ever Dear Wife:

                                                                                                                        I was ever so happy to rec. two first rate letters from you yesterday, one dated the 13^th & the other the 24^th inst. These are the first I have rec’d. in a month. I am glad to hear that you have got well again & that the Children are so healthy & well. I am enjoying first-rate health & hope I shall continue well as long as I remain in the field. We arrived at this place last Sunday & pitched our tents in a fine piece of woods about about two miles out of town. The Cars run regularly now every day from here to Washington, so we shall expect to get our mail more regularly now. Lee’s army have succeeded in getting back to Culpepper / & Fredericksburg. So there is little probability of our having a battle with them very soon, perhaps not till Fall. We may stay here a month, or more, & we may move in a day or two. there is no telling anything about it. It appears that there is a good deal of squirming in regard to the Draft, at home, but it dont trouble me at all. Yesterday I was detailed go with the wagon-train to watch the wagons. when we are in camp I dont have to carry any gun or any thing else now I have a chance to ride when I want to. all I have to do is to be around with a lantern & watch the wagons half of each night. I was detailed in the first place to drive a train; but was finally given my choice to do that or watch the wagons. I could’nt ask for any easier place—/

 

Dont you think I did better to enlist than I would have done to wait & be drafted. The Government are now offering $400,00 Bounty to every soldier who has been in the service & who will enlist in the Veteran Corps for three years. Some of the boys are talking about enlisting in this corps What do you say to my enlisting in that way. We dont get a great deal of news now [ink blot] what we do get, is g[ink blot] may get some of importance before I write again so that I can tell you some news

 

Write often & I’ll do the same Give my best respect to all enquiring friends & accept lots of love for yourself & the children; from Your loving Husband Zephriam Larivier

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