Charlie

R & A Aug. 17. 1863

 

Portsmouth Va

Aug 13. 1863.

 

Dear Father—

                        One thing and another has prevented my answering your letter till now, and at last I have concluded that it is time you heard from me. I got Sallie's letter, but suppose she is not at home at present. Everything is quiet here and hot also. I never experienced such heat as we have had the past week. It is just about impossible for me to walk or ride in the middle of the day. We hear that you are having pretty warm weather, but it dont compare with this. You have hardly seen the mercury at 98º to 100º in the shade. As we are not driven with business just now, we take life easy and devote most of our time to keeping cool. I have written to one of my classmates, Kernochan to come down and visit me. I hope he will accept, though he would be foolish to do so while it is so hot. There are two or three cases of yellow fever over in Norfolk, but none this side of the river yet. I have been perfectly well, and stand the heat much better than I feared I sh'l'd.

 

            I met a son of Rev. Mr. Long, the other day. He is a 2^d Lieut in the 21^st C.V. and a very agreeable fellow. I also saw this morning a Mr. Pratt of Meriden, who has a son in the 8^th C.V. He says he knows you and Mr. Hayden very well. Perhaps you may remember that he is the celebrated Comb-man, who in the Manufacturing Convention at New Haven, said "If the South dont want to buy my combs, they may go lousy". He holds some very sensible views on the questions of the day.

 

I suppose Mr. Geo. Stedman has got to Norwich by this time, and told you that he saw me. There is a good deal of visiting going on in this Department now, and in almost every camp there are ladies living. This is by no means such soldiering as I have been accustomed to. When Sallie comes home I will answer her letter. I will write to Mother too if she desires a separate letter. I shall get my pay Sept. 1. and will send her an installment. With much love

 

Your aff son

Charlie—

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