Jan 24^th..1864

Dear family i was happy to get a letter yesterday it being my birth day (Jan 23) i was on gard. my post or walk was in front of Colonel Millers head quarters n was no one on the first relief therefore i put on some Military Style and french airs. well dear Ruth as you wanted me to ancer some questions i will try to do it the 17 of July is the day on which we ware sworn in at camp Sherman at Burlington Iowa therefore our 3 years will expire (July 17..64) well that peck of trouble comes next 

 

3 it was concerning reinlisting for 3 years more unless sooner discharged, but let not that trouble you (Oh no dearist) it dont bother me now no not at all, allthough nearly all of the reg has reinlisted and will start home in 4 or 5 days Now Ruth pleas dont look for me untill you see me coming no for i will shurely come some of these days if i live (would to god i was there now) do i sing, yes when i feel lite harted and sometimes when grief and sorrow fills my harte to oreflowing. O shed not a tear nor plant any rose that will bloom O no for i will be happy if faithful to god and the lamb. yes pleas pray for me i nead the / prayrs of all friends i have a greate deal to feel thankful for yes i have been spaird on many a battle field whare my comrads poor fellows were shot down by my side yet i am spaired…suffered to live…now if i live to get home whare peace and happyness is i think i can tell some suffering scenes of war. if you write to me before i see you or any time pleas send me some stamps they are hard to get in the army i must stop writeing for my candle is just burned down

more next week                                              John G Scoville to family

or some time soon

 

pleas sing for (me) of heaven delightful heaven        may god be with you all

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