Post Head-Quarters,

Bermuda Hundred, Va., December 28^th 1864.

 

Dear Friend Hat.

                        Yours of the 25^th came to hand this morning and I was right glad to hear from EB once more for it has been a long time.I say long time it has been several days. I used to go to some of the other EB boys to enquire what news from home but we have no one with us now that came from EB Has Turners or Slaytons folks ever heard from John Turner or George Slayton. we have not heard anything from them since they were taken. A fellow of Co I was taken at Deep Run has just returned to us. he did not know that they were prisoners untill he got back here. he tells hard stories about Rebeldom.

 

            I had not heard of Tips marriage untill this morning what a fool he must be to get married to accomodate other people. And I think him / foolish to get married any way even if he had married the best woman in America. now he has lost all privalages of single blessedness. Oh! Hat I had a fine time Christmas. I went up to Aikens Landing with the Band on a Seranading Expidition The distance was twenty miles. The steam tug Dolphin went up on purpues to carry us started about four Oclock of on the 25^th. we first went to Jones Landing to seranade Quartermaster Thompson and he went with us to Aikens to seranade some young Ladies that were stoping there. I presume you have read of the Rebel Aikens he was a very wealthy man owns a very nice plantation and a large Brick House. he was taken a prisoner by our forces last summer and is now at Norfolk One of the ladies was his daughter. we got there about ten Oclock. the band played a few pieces in front of the house and the Glee Club sung a few appropriate songs when the yo ladies came to the door and asked us into the house. to hear them we went in and they entertained us / with singing and playing on the Piano. We got back to Thompsons about three Oclock where an oyster supper was waiting for us. we had a plenty to eat and a plenty to drink. We arrived home about noon the next day. pretty well used up to.

 

I supose you had heard of our moving from the front. we have been here about ten days. the Regt is here to do provost duty and will probably stay all winter. I am having a very easy time here I draw every tenth day and the rest of the time have but very little to do. I am boarding in a private family. I dont know whether I have written you before since we came here or not. perhaps I have, but I saw your letter was directed to the Army of the James.

 

            You wrote of Ed Drakes comming home his Regt the 34^th landed here a few days ago and went to the front so if he joines his Regiment soon I shall have the pleasure of seeing him. I understand that Albert is comming out where John is. I think it a good job for him. shall have a chance to see him if he comes. I am expecting John down / here New Years day.

 

            We heard last night of the fall of Savanah we were expecting it. No one can complain of our Armies lyeing idle this season. I think this war is drawing near its close. The Deserters are flocking in here in swarms. they say that there will be no fighting after this winter. There has been very heavy fireing in the direction of Petersburg all the morning. dont know whether it is a salute or whether they are having a fight over there.

 

            You wrote about sending your Photograph have you had some taken if so send me one the next letter. if you do,nt I never will forgive you. you promised me one once before and never sent it.

 

            It is most dinner time and I must draw this to a close. Excuse all mistakes and poor writing for it was writen in a hurry

 

            Give my respects to all.

 

                                                            Shall expect to hear from you soon. Yours &c

                                                Elbridge Howe,

 

                                                Commisary Serg^t 24^th Reg^t Mass Vols

                                                                        Bermuda Landing

                                                                                                Va

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