In Camp at Devalls Bluff Ark

Christmas Sunday December 25 1864

 

My Dear Brother Bill

I take this presant time to informe you that I am well and feal hearty and am ready fore my rations every time that thay come around and devoure them so quick that it would surprise a canabal and I hope and pray that thease few lines may find you in the same fix fore I think that good helth is the greatest blessing that whe can enjoy in this world combind with contentment and the spirit of God in our hearts this with the evidense of our exceptanse with him fore I dont think that whe can be too thankfull fore the good and great blessings witch he so bountyfuly bestows on us

 

                                    2 ranks right fase /

 

I reseaved a letter from you on yesterday and I was very glad to heare from you it was dated December 13 and it contained one from Father and I was glad that you was still well and hearty and in the Land of the Living But I think that you hurt your selfe in sending me a half sheat of paper fore a letter well I will excuse you fore this time as it was cold weather; well Bill whe have good times heare at presant with nothing to do but provo Duty in the town with now and then a scout in the Country to look after rebs well that is only fun fore us fore whe Generly get into a fuss with them a few days ago whe went up white river to Augusta whe found right smart of them about 8 miles north of that plase

 

                                    Arms apart /

 

i wish you a hapy Christmas

 

well whe was with them about 3 days and got along with them very well whe got about 40 prisnors without firing a gun whe done the most of our work by night taking rebs; horses mules Negs hogs and with all the poultry that whe could cary back to the Boat but when whe was on the road back thay soured on us at peach Bluff But whe soon cleand them out and whe did not have a man hirt fore particulars se description in a letter that I sent to Mary dated December 16. well Bill I am glad that you are getting along so well and that thay are having a good time at trout Creak and I hope and pray that it will continue untill every one enjoys the Love of God well Bill be faithfull and pray often remember me in your prayers write soon from your Affectionate

Brother Jacob G Albright to W O Albright

 

                                    Brake ranks March— /

 

William Albright Esq.            

                                                           

Devalls bluff Ark

Dec 26/64

 

            Dear Sir—Brother Jacob has been writing you, and has written all he knows and desiring me to do the same I will do so, for it won't take me long. My health is very good and I am enjoying myself far better than I expected. The prospect of peace is cheering, and hopes of a return to home and loved ones are not among the least of our anticipations. We long to greet our friends once more, but above these desires are the longings for peace, and the restitution of our glorious union; yet think not that we desire them at the price demanded by the demands of rebeldom, no! we will fight them if necessary until there shall not be, a traitor left upon northern or Southern soil, and then we won't give it up. I have nothing interesting to write, as I suppose Jacob has told you all the news, but merely put in a few words by way of remembrance, and hope you will do the same, and even more. Excuse briefness, as my allotted space is filled. Accept my respects and remmber your friends in the army as well as at home. J. S. Bellows

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