Camp 40^th Regt. N.Y.V.

Monocacy Aqueduct

Oct 17^th 1862

 

Dear Sister Alice

                                                Your welcome letter came safely to hand and we rejoice to hear that you were all well. Wilson and I are quite well, and still occupy the old position at the mouth of the Monocacy River. The Canal has been fine and Wilson has gone a fishing in the canal, whilst I write you a few lines. You and Lizzie both seem to think that I have changed wonderfully in appearance since you last saw me. I was fancying just the contrary for I thought there was no difference save a few shades darker color. I presume I shant know you and many other of my old friends when I come to go home, for I suppose you shall have grown out of my knowledge. I wish I could come home for a visit about the fore part of next month I think I would enjoy myself most wonderfully. But it is folly to think of it. /

 

You will have a good time enjoying the festive season without us this time. however you must remember us, and do not go the "Union" too strong. I wonder how James is getting along with that attractive beauty in Brooklyn. I hope he will be in no hurry to bring Mother to a focus, as I want to be home in them days. I have not heard from Garret since I have written them, but I hope he is well and more happy with his business than when I last heard. And I hope he thinks that soldiering is about played out. We have not yet come across any of our old aquaintances since the new Regiments have come out. I wish the 29^th N.Y. would come around our way I reckon we would have rather a jolly time. Our Reg't. went over to Leesburgh day before yesterday again but did not fall in with any Rebels.

 

All hope of the reorganization of the Eighty seventh Reg't. is now at an end, and Col. Dodge has taken command of the 16^th Virginia Reg't. But I have not heard definitely of what become of the prisoners that / were taken to Richmond. Among them was Captain Lasson. If he is at home I wish you would write me and also let me know his address so I can write to him. Capt Lasson was one of my best friends. Someone of them came the other day to get the colors of the 87^th and took them away with them. I am anxious to learn of the whereabouts of L^t Colonel Rach[ink blot] and Adjutant Hudson. If you have learned through the papers let me know. Wilson and I have jolly times now soldiering, as we do not have much drilling to do. "Mary's land" differs somewhat from "Dixie's land" as it looks much more like civilization, and the Beauty of the land is not near so wild as it is across the lines and have not got the skedadle fever Farmers Daughters are almost as fair as they are in Jersey, and they do not mind going down cellar to draw the pitcher full of cider. We were in Leesburgh the other day and the young ladies looked daggers at us all the way through the town. /

 

Remember us to Garret, Jane and Willie. All the folks at "Old Maids Hall" James and all the rest of the folks. You must write when you can and let us know the news. And tell me if you are a going to remain in New York much longer.

 

                                                                                                Your Affectionate Brother

                                                                                                            Jonathan

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