Camp 79^th O.V.I.

Feb 19^th 1864.

 

Dear Sister,

                        As I have a good opportunity of writing to you this afternoon I will try and improve it. The weather has been rather wintrish this week although it has not stormed any but has been quite cold. I was on guard yesterday so I am excused from drill today and I will have to go on duty tomorrow again. Our duty has been rather heavy for a few days on account of some boats that we had to unload. Christian Smith has bought the sutler shop from Andy Atkinson he is with us now. Andy started home yesterday morn. / I gave him $10 to give to Alvin. the reason that I did not send more is this, the pay day before this I did not keep but six dollars, and I got them pictures taken and went in debt for them so I had them to pay for this time, and then I purchased some clothing, and then the talk was that we would not be payed for three months again, and I wanted to have some on hand. I suppose that the money is mine and I have a right to use it as I please, but for fear that you would think that I used it foolishly I told you what had become of it. We have a plenty of rations such as it is and plenty of clothing. But I think it best for a man to get some green / fruit once and a while to eat in order to keep good health Apples here sell for five cts apiece as large as a goose egg. You will find that money with Andy. Well Emma I suppose that next sunday is communion. I have thought a good deal about it this week and wished I would be there, but it is not worth while to wish such things while in the army for we cannot gratify them. but still I hope we may commune togather at heart. Well I will have to get ready for dress parade It would be quite a site for you to see us on parade but it is an old thing to me. We have nine recruits in our company. I must close. Write whenever convenient,

 

Your Brother W H Bone

To E J Bone.

 

give my love to mother and all others that may inquire about me.

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