West Point New York

Apr. 4^th 1861

 

My Dear Mother

                        No doubt you have been wondering, over and over again, why I have not answered your letter more promptly, and most certainly I have little or no apoligy to offer for not doing so, except it is that I wrote to Taff only a day or two before I received yours, and my letters though addressed to one are intended equally for all, as I cant afford a regular correspondence with each individual, besides I have less time for writing now days than ever. We have commenced drilling again, and the time that I usually devoted to letter writing is now occupied with that somewhat less agreeable duty.

 

            I suppose you are all in the enjoyment of beautiful, pleasant Spring weather down in Ky.—carrying on gardening, and already have vegitables to eat / here everything is still wrapped up in the gloom of winter, about ten days since we had the deepest snow I ever saw, and now it is still cold and snowing. I believe we have the most variable and inconstant weather here of any place I ever heard of nearly. one week we will have the most desirable temperate and pleasant weather, the next will appear as if one was suddenly landed in the Arctic Regions. If it were desirable to make one bodily a true soldier, I dont think a better place than this could be chosen.

 

            What do you all think of President Lincoln? I suppose you are not yet ready to give him up for Davis, and "King Cotton". He seems as if he wants a settlement but I suppose it is very doubtful wheather he can effect it or not as his party dont seem disposed to assist him much by concession, and undoubtedly a great concession there will have to be before the states are reunited.

 

            Has anything been heard from Boone Judy yet or has he entirely escaped / from justice. The Whig comes so irregularly that I dont get but little news from home. I dont know why it is that I dont get it every week, unless it is from Mr Dury's blunders in directing it. Here is about the way he had it directed the last time I received it

 

Reason Howell Gist (Cadet).

 

I would like to write you a longer and more interesting letter but cannot possibly. every thing is going on as usual and I have no news whatever that would give you any interest. Give my love to all, and recollect the great satisfaction that your letters never fail to give

 

Your very affect. son

Rezin

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