Camp Seminary Oct 23^d/61

 

Mother

            I recieved yours today which were mailed on the 20^th & 21^st inst^s respectively you desire me to answer the questions respecting blankets and Captains. As to blankets I have about as many as I think that I shall want, especially if we move very frequently as we carry our blankets upon our saddles. However if you have any to spare which you will be just as comfortable without you may send them to my address however I would advise you to sell them and use the money for your own comfort. The greatest favor that you could do me just now would be to send me a couple pairs of woolen stockens not forgetting a ball of yarn to mend them with if perchance they should wear out. I will now answer / the questions concerning our illustrious Capt. He is still with us but is a use less incumbrance as far as fighting or drilling the men is concerned. He does not know as much of the drill as Fred does and is as cowardly as he is stupid. Lieut Gillies does all of his work and that of the first Lieut. while I "your little boy" act 2^d Lieut. and 1^st Sergt to the best of my ability. You consequently must excuse me for not writing oftener and more copious letters. Many of my letters are written after taps as I have permission from Lt. Col. Owens to keep a light as late as I think proper. I hope that Owens will be promoted to Colonel. In case that he should be I think my promotion sure as I am in favor with him and he knows that I do my duty. He has complimented me very highly and upon two occasions he has invited / me to take dinner with him. On the first time the usual wine made its appearance. I told him very respectfully that I did not use any. "Why—you are a strange fellow. A very strange fellow for a trooper. but—I dont know but you are right after all in fact I am sure of it. Just keep on as you have began and you will make your mark." I do not repeat this in a boasting spirit but for a while I was the proudest man in the service Just to think of a Colonel speaking so to a little fellow like your little boy. If he gets to be Colonel he will help me if he can.

 

Please send on my violin as soon as possible as I want some thing to keep me company. I am lonesome—sometimes. Good bye. All the men are well and so am I.

 

                                                                        Your Son—     Will /

 

P.S. I have not recieved my usual letter from Phronie yet this week. If she is sick please let me know immediately.

 

Give my love to all of my friends not forgetting Nettle and old Dick.

 

There will probably be a fight in a few days. I will write an account of it as soon as it comes off.

 

                                    Good bye

                                                Tattoo has sounded and I must call the roll

 

            Your Son

                        Will.

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