Camp Near Union Mills Feb 5th '63
Dear Sister
I received your letter last Saturday just before I mailed one for home I believe I mentioned it in my letter, I was glad to learn that the folks were all well at & around home. Perhaps you dont know what the Dr said about the boys that have had the Measles here, he said they would'nt be fit for duty to amount to anything until spring when it got warm weather. I feel as well bodily as I ever felt the only thing is in the way is about my strength I dont get very strong yet. I am enjoying myself very well lately full as well as could be expected. I feel thankful to think I have got along as well as I have. quite a number of the boys died that had the Measles, some are deaf some or nearly all cannot talk yet.
from this page turn to page 3rd & read /
I shall consider myself well off. I am satisfied that I have got along a great deal better than the majority of the boys that have had the Measles. Will & Tyler are are are as well, but I tell you it is tough the way they use the boys here. they have to do to much duty altogether. our regt is redused down to less than 500 men that are fit for duty, & they have to do as much duty as a full regiment. it has been very cold here lately for the suny south. It is rumored here that our brigade is going to be relieved & that we are going back to Washington to rest for a while. it is but a rumor yet so we cant tell any thing about it When I wrote there was a few things I forgot to send for, perhaps it is to late now to have them sent in the box, if it is you need not bother. I wanted a box of small Cox Revolver cartridges y they can be got at R[?]son & Taylor's hardware I think. I will send one in this letter to let you know the size.
read on page 3 2nd 2nd /
& a coarse colbmb a few steel pins. you need'nt mind about a gold one this time un else you are a mind to. Julia you asked me one question that you said you wanted me to answer, it was this. you asked me if I dont wish I had heard to my friend advice & staid at home. well I cant say as that is my wish exactly, for I dont know as I would of been satisfied if I had staid at home, for I thought it was my duty to go. I must close so this can go out on to days mail.
I remain your affectionate Brother
Albert
Julia.
If it is to late to send the things that I send for in this letter in the box, you can send a fine comb in a letter, a box of cartridges, you can send by mail. I cannot get them here if I could I wouldnt send home for them.