Camp Near [ink blot]rdsville Tenn

January the 8 AD 1864

 

            Wel Selina as it snowed last night a bout 3in i thought i would write you a few lines to let you know that i am in excelent health at this time i got a letter from mother & from Mary starks and one from Rufe he was well when he wrote it you have not wrote to me for a long time i expect that you have forgot that you have got a brother bart but still he is in the land of the living as well as in the army

 

Wel i caught cold in one of my ey's the night befour newyears it was prettey bad for a few days but it has got wel now of corse im not as fat as a hog for we only get 1 pint of meal a day and we bake that up and quit / i expect that i can beat you baking corn bread for i haven eat a bite of wheet bread for nearly 2 mo. we live on corn bread and fresh beef

 

we have to pay from one quarter to 75^cts for a half pie a good custard pie costs 75cts and then they are not verry good at that

 

Wel lina i want you to have plenty of pies and cakes and pies fo i am just a going to go right into them like a hungry Soldier

 

but i am not tiard of soldiering yet i just like it better than ever for i am just learning how to soldier i would send you and martha a Newyears gift but then / then i am afraid that you would never get them but i will fetch them when i come home if i ever get there but i have nearly 200 miles over the Mountains before we meet & march it through the snow and mud but if i keep my health im able for the trip

 

now you need not expect any more letters from me for my time is nearly out if i get sick i will write again or get someone to write for me now lina write to me soon and try and remember that you have a brother bart so good by. Bart Dooley

 

to Miss Selina Dooley Bethany P^o

Park C^o

Ind

 

B Dooley C^o B 115 Regt

                        Ind Vol /

 

[drawing of bird]

 

            B Dooley

SOURCES