Camp Sumter March 14^th 1864

 

My dear Sister

                        Yours of 6^th inst was received yesterday. I was very much delighted to hear that you were all well. I have written several times since I returned to camp, which you should have received long before this. We are leading but a dull life here now. I wish we were moving, if only for the change. Some of the gentlemen however are enjoying themselves very much, as they have had several parties. To me however their gaiety brings no pleasure. We had news yesterday, which seems to be reliable, that Genl Holmes has been relieved of Command and ordered to Richmond. This will be hailed with much joy by the entire Army. If Genl Price, however is assigned to the Command of the District our division will not gain much as Genl Drayton will succeed him, who is one of the most odious men in the Army. Personally he is very affable and agreable, but as a Commander is very much disliked. There is but little prospect of our moving soon, though we may move at any time. All furloughs have been stopped, and we are getting ready to move. I wish the order would come to day. I am tired of doing nothing.

 

I bought cloth a few days ago for a suit of clothes and as I was almost destitute of pants, had them cut out and made immediately. Judge of my mortification when my pants came in and I could not get them on. They were not large enough for a boy ten years old. I did not know what to do. I could get no more cloth, but I had them pieced and succeeded in trading them for another piece of cloth. I have had another pair cut, which I hope will fit for / I am needing them very much. I have a beautiful piece of cloth for a coat, but do not know how to get it made. Cloth is very scarce now and this is the last I expect to get. Mrs King has been in Camden for some time. I did not learn it until lately. Charley is Commissary of Marmaduke's Division and has his quarters in Camden. I met a lady Mrs Clark wife of Maj Clark Asst Ins Genl of the Division few days since. She says her mother's maiden name was Johnson. She was from Virginia and a cousin of Porter Johnson. Her name was Mack. As she is a very nice lady and her husband a particular friend of mine, we have established a relationship. I think she looks very much like Ma's family. Ma very likely would know something about her mother. They have lived in Missouri for thirty years, Mrs Clark being born there.

 

I think there is no necessity yet for your teaching school and I would advise you to avoid it as long as possible. Should I live I hope there never will be any necessity. Under the law Hamilton will have to report to his Company. Capt Crawford's Co is with Genl Cabell's Brigade now camped about 14 miles from Washington. I think he would be discharged and he had better make application for it and he can then go back to Capt Fisher. I think Pa had better go as far as Navarro County before he makes any selection. I saw W^m R Miller a few days since. His family are in that County and he thinks it preferable to any other. Most of the Arks refugees are there. The demand for labor is great and provisions plenty. Give my love to the children. Tell Ned I am glad he is a good boy. Say to Virginia & Selina I will expect a letter from them soon. I sent them a pictorial a few weeks ago. Did they receive it? Write often

 

Genl Homes is certainly relieved       

                                

Genl Price has gone to Camden   

 

Yr affectionate brother                                                                 

Jo.

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