Mategorda Island, Texas,

Feb. 27^th 1864.

 

            My Dear Wife,

                                    For the last few days the "military" has so nearly monopolized our time to the entire exclusion of every thing else that it is not likely I will have time to write you much this morning. I have not had a letter from you since we left Decrows Pt. but I expect one by the next mail, which is sure to come but when no body knows.

 

Sometimes we get two or three mails in one week, and sometimes we get two or three weeks and only one mail.

 

            In my last letter to you I wrote the information / I had rec'd by the returned convalescents about David, and yesterday I rec'd a letter from Tom Gray which confirms this report if any further confirmation is needed. I will inclose the letter with this and send it to you. Let Mother see it.

 

            The Quarterrmaster and Lieuts. Nolen and John O Coles have resigned and start home to-day, which place they will perhaps reach before you get this.

 

            I went to Dave Crowley for the $100. he wanted to loan me so badly a few weeks ago and he said that he had only $40. by him and the balance he had notes on good men for. This is Dave Crowly of old:—when he tells you / any thing you know it to be so if you have positive evidence of it through some other source. He just now gave me the $40 (which I had a great mind not to bother with) and said he had made arrangements with John O. to pay Sarver $40. more when he (John O) was payed off at New Orleans; but as I only have Dave Crowly's word for it, I am not certain that John O. owes him $40. to say nothing about arrangements. I gave Sarver the $40. and that much you will get. If you got the $80. let me know it and I will pay Dave when I draw.

 

            Day after to-morow is muster day again and then we / will have four months pay due us.

 

            As soon as I get time I will draw and send to you a map of this end of the Island showing the position and construction of the forts built and being built here.

 

I tell you Matagorda Island will soon be fortified for all that is out in rebeldom.

 

            The boys are all well and hearty and I am not very puny as you may judge from the figures I pulled down on the scales yesterday—191 lbs.

 

No more at present but remain as ever,

                                                                                                            Your affectionate

                                                husband,

                                                                        Enos Reed.

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