.MzI.Mzg
[1]
Camp 5th Va. Cav.
August 31st 1863
Dear Pa
Here we are again in Spottsyl-
-vania County at our same old camp
about five miles from Federickburg.
I guess you have heard of our trip
before this. I wrote to sister while on
board the Sattellite. I also sent her a
little singing book I captured. We had
quite a gay time, very exciting. We expect-
ed to have a fight with a Yankee
Gun boat - but did not, we only captured
three skooners, one loaded with coal
bound for Main, the others with chains
and anchors. We were on water three
days and nights – had just what we
wanted to eat – coffee, sugar, bacon, beef,
[pickle?], condensed milk, crackers [&?] we had
three meals a day. I was very much
pleased with water, and as I wrote
Mattie the other day, if some changes are
not made in this Rgt. I have an idea
[2]
of studying up, and trying to get a
transfer to the Navy. I wrote it more
in [fern?] [illegible] I have been expecting
a letter from you for some time
concerning what I wrote you. You
said you would write as soon as you
returned from the association. I
took for granted from your silence
that you had not succeeded – I would
like to hear from you in a day or so,
for I would not be surprised if we
return to Middlesex in a few days,
and no telling then when I would be
able to hear from you – for down there
seems out of the world, but the citizens
were very kind to us would not charge
us any thing for our meals.
By the way, while I think of it, Mell
Elliott was talking a way about the Monti=
cello / Bank the other day and he let
it slip out that he had about $10000.
[3]
given to his Mother by Mr. Flannagan
home.
once in New York to bring ^ Shortly after=
wards they had a fly up and Mr. F. I
guess forgot to ask her for them.
I guess they will come in very well
wont they? - Tell Ma & Sis that
I received the four letters from them and
three from [Nat?] when I returned
Saturday night.
I received the pistol indeed I am
very much obliged to you. I will
take splendid care of it – and hope
will be able to do some execution with it.
My finger is still stiff. I have a
very painful boil on my left shoulder
joint. My general health is very good
I think.
I wish you would get my old pistol
from Nelson Thomas.
Champ is in very good order has a
little sore on his back. I was offended
[4]
go 3.50, would not get him. Dont
you think it is nearly time for me
to get home! I dont think I will
run the block again. I may not be
able to get off before xmas.
No news in camp - it is reported that
R.E. is going to try Pennsylvania
again.
Write soon. My best love to all
at home. Will write them all soon
as can.
Your aff. Son
Willie
