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January the 4th

I wrote the foregoing yesterday with the expectation of sending it by Robt. Moore; but he failed to to get off, as they have stopped giving three furloughs at a time, so I will have to send it by mail.

We are all well to-day.

                      I

I wrote yesterday that ^ expected to get home in five weeks; but if Maj. Smith stops giving three furloughs at a time it will be two months before I get home.

I am satisfied that Capt. Kelly

               enough

has not authority ^ to get me back to to his company; and I think that he had found that out before this time. Any members of his com- pany before the re-organisation of it could have got a transfer in defiance of Kelly.

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We had some very bad weather in February. We had a snow eight or ten inches deep.

We get enough bread and meat to eat now, for the first time since I have been at this place. We have been drawing for the last week a half of a pound of meat per day.

If nothing happen, I shall get [get – crossed out] a furlough in five or six weeks. I shall be compelled to close my letter by not having any thing to write so excuse me for so short a letter. Write to me soon and tell the rest to write.

Your devoted Son

W. M. Rawlings.

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Fort Drewry

March the 3rd, 1863

My Dear Father – It is with much pleasure that I now embrace the present moments to write you a short letter. I have but little news to write; but, however, I write to let you know that we are yet alive, and very well at present. Well enough, nevertheless to be on guard.

Times are very dull at this place now. There is but little excite- ment in camp.

Jos. Rawlings and Charley are well. Harvey Williams and the rest of the boys are well also. I hear but little from Capt. Kelly now; but I hear enough to know that he can’t get me back to his Co.

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I good many soldiers have got transfers in that way.

I have never got the money that is due me in that compa- ny, and don’t know that I ever shall. But if I never do I would rather remain here and not get anything, than to go back there and get a hundred dollars a month.

Give my best respects to all the family

Yours xc

W. M. Rawlings.