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Drewry’s Bluff, Virginia

December the 27th 1862

Dear Mother:

It is with sincere pleasure, that I now, for the first time since leaving home, embrace this op- portunity to write you a few lines, to let you know that I have not forgotten so kind a mother and friend. I would have written to you before this time, but I have been on the detail for nearly three weeks, and have had but little time to write or do anything else.

Before proceeding farther, I will tell you that I have felt as well, [or weller – crossed out], for the last two or three weeks as I have for twelve months past. I think I have mended considerably in feeling and srength since I have been at this place. And if I can only stay here I think I can stand the service. Lark is as well as usual.

I would have been very glad to have gone home this Christ- mas, for we have had a very dull time in camp. I have been at work yesterday and today. We have been cutting a road, building a commissary, and wharf to land the pro- visions at, for three weeks. We have been grading a road

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down a steep de^cent to the river.

Wilie Coleman has received his commission as captain of the company. Lieut. Braswell remaines as third Lieut. In order to ascend to first Lieutenant, he will have to go through an examination, which he refuses to do, therefore, he will have to remain as third Lieutenant.

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The election of officers has not taken place yet, and I don’t know when it will: perhaps soon.

I have not had the chance yet to go to Richmond to draw my money, and don’t know now when I will. Some of the Soldiers do so bad that it causes us to be dearth with very strictly. The substitues are continually running off; and I do sincerely wish that every subst would run away and stay. We have daily ten or twelve men in the guard house at one time.

Joseph Carpenter and Jack Delbridge are now in Brunswick I reckon. Jos. Rawlings was sent after them, but he has not got back yet. They both will have to stand a court martial when they return and perhaps this sentence will be retention in the guard house and extra duty.

I will be compelled to bring my letter to a close; though I will first mention that I nor Lark can [not – smudged out] wear the shoes that Pa had made and sent me. I have them yet and if Pa does not want them I will try to trade them off with some one, or sell them. Write me word by the first one that writes to me whether he want time or not, if he does I will keep them.

Lark sends his love to you all. Give my love to all and accept a portion for yourself.

Your affectionate son,

W. M. Rawlings.