Harpers Ferry Va.

November 1^st 1862

 

                                                                                                Yours of the 19^th & 20^th I received yesterday. The $1 and stamp came through safe. You can deduct that and what stamps you sent me from what I send home. You ask if there were none in the company better of in the money line than myself The majority of them send their money home only a little they want for things they most need. Most of soldiers shut / up in camp as they are without little but salt junk and Hard Crack will after pay day have a feast and as long as their money lasts which is not often more than a week live sumptous every day regardless of cost then they are ready to borrow of any who will lend and pay from 12½ to 15 per cent per month so that in three or four weeks from pay day it is hard matter to get any amount however small. W. D. Brooks is the only broker in the company and he does not let any for less than 25 cts. on $1. 'till pay day and as much more as he can get. After hurrying of my letter last on teusday a squad of 25 were ordered from our company back to Harpers Ferry to stay and guard and keep / in repair the bridges at this place Since writing the above the Captain has been here and mustered us for the past 2 months pay and found us so well contented that he concluded to let us stay one week longer until a week from to day. By the way when we came here we rented a house for $2 per week 8¢ apiece and stove with it so we are not anxious to get back to the company as we have a chance to cook to suit our-selves A train of 31 cars loaded with forage was burned here on Wednesday together with stores and Rail Road track I saw the whole thing from the time the first Bale caught fire until all was consumed. Commissary Wakeman has now come with our next 5 days / rations. He is accompanied by Tom Murray. Tom had gone to Edwards Ferry when we left Berlin He is healthy and rugged as any in the regiment. Mary wants me to write about Ed Layman and Sam Clift. Ed is here with us. a first class man. Sam is with the company, second class, keeps himself so filthy no one will have him tent with them. I have written to Frank R. to day. I am glad he looks so well. In his letter to me he stated he had been "greveously and unfortionately afflicted", cant imagine the cause of his grief. I suppose Mollie attends evening meetings pretty regular. In her next I want her to tell if they are interesting

 

                                                                        Hurst O Lincoln

                                                                        Co B 5^th N.Y.V. Engrs.

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