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[1]

Gloucester Point Ap[ri]l 22d [18]’62]

My dear Nannie – I received last night, the letter written by you to be sent by Mr. Booker, also [one?] from him telling of Johny’s safe arrival home – We were very glad to hear from Johny – had heard nothing from him since he left and feared that he might be quite sick. It was the third letter I have gotten from you, & came through quicker then any I have received. Tell the girls they must not send any more letters in may envelopes to the other boys – they invariably check me with the idea that I have a great fat letter, when at least half of it belongs to some one else. Sam also got one from Bella, and Abe one from Millie. Daniel Booker has the mumps, but it is very slight, and he is extremely [cautious?][contagious?], The rest are all well, and in good spirits. I commenced writing to you yesterday, but it was a [close?] [mis[t]y?] gloomy day, & I felt so much like the weather, I couldn’t get through.

[2]

I can hardly realize that dear little Minnie is walking about & talking – it makes me much more anxious to see her than ever. Oh, Minnie ! I feel as if I would give almost any thing, or make almost any sacrifice just to spend one day with you all now. Generally I feel as contented and happy as any one here, but at times I feel as if I cant stand it any longer. The other day I saw an old gentleman who when his back was towards me ap- pe[a]red exactly like your Pa – His hat, hair, coat, form, and manner of sitting down, was so much like him, that I went after Sam & Doc to see him! and I followed and watched him until he got into his buggy and drove off, always managing so as to keep his back towards me, for his face was more like Ike Davis than any one else. I almost felt as if I was seeing some one from home. (While I think of it, please ask Mr. Booker to bring us a bottle of ink when he comes down with Johny – also an ink stand.)

[3]

There is no news here of any interest. We have no idea of what is doing on the Peninsula. I had some idea that Mr. Baskerville was there, and am sorry for him – for they are certainly seeing very hard times – great exposure, and [...ty?] rations. Am sorry he didn’t come first to Yorktown – think he might have gotten some easier place here than the Captaincy of Nat. Gregory’s company. Have seen only one or two daily papers since being here and they several days old. Get my Xtian [Christian] Observer regularly, & it looks so much like home enjoy it mightily. Had a copy of it sent to Mr. Hines – ask him if he has gotten it – Called on old Dr. Converse while in R[ich]mond & spend some time with him – was very glad to see me when he found who I was – gave me a great deal of good advise – when I asked him about Mr Ballentaine the old man cried – told me of all his troubles and like to have made me cry too. Oh, dear this is a cruel, cruel war.

[4]

I got me a pair of first rate sti[t]ched shoes in R[ich]mod for $5.00 & a p[ai]r of nice grey pants for $8. No other clothes. Capt[ain] Bagley has gotten cloth to uniform his whole company & it will be made up as soon as the times are more settled. I wish you could have seen me sewing up my pants, which had ripped yesterday, had no ideal I could do it half so well – it was a very difficult job too, as the rip was where the pocket was put it. Had immediately several applications to patch, & if I stay her long may set up a tailor’s shop. Dont think it is worth while to try to send any more boxes. Mr. Booker thinks he has also lost the one we started with. Owing to the large increase of the army our rations now are not as good – We now get no coffee which is a great loss. Perkins (one of my mess mates) & I have agreed to go into the country soon and milk some cows. We go through the motion of handing around the butter every day, and insist on every body’s taking coffee, & sugar.

Wish I could write more – but write this in great haste – Much love to all – has Charley gotten an answer to his letter – tell me all about my farm - & about the negroes – and everything [underscored] about yourself & Charley & Minnie – how is your Ma’s health Your devoted husband N[athaniel] V W[atkins]

Send a note from Doc.

Ask Mr. Booker to bring me 2 packs of envelopes.