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Washington D.C. Jany 1st 62

Dear Mother

I think I should not attemp to write this evening but for the desire to wish you a happy New Year and I think you will be some happier if you receive this next Saturday [ev?] I was on guard again last night. My turn comes once a week. I was on Picket guard with Corporal Samuel Foster. We were detailed for regular guard but there is always a picket guard taken out and it was Fosters turn to take charge of it and he had liberty to select his men to go with him. Robinson one of the Situate Boys M. Penyman of S.A. and my- self were the ones selected. We were posted not far from the camp on the Road leading to the city for the purpose of

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examaning the passes of such Soldiers as come our way. If thy are without passes we have to take them back to camp. At night no one is aloued to pass with out the contersign. We had a tent by the side of the Road and a good fire to sit by. It was quite pleasant sitting by our fire last night. The weather was very fine Scarcely cold enough to freeze. We talked the old year out and the new one in. We talked of th fine Picture we should make seated around our cheerfull fire how the inexperi enced would envy us if they could see it. But we all agreed that we would willing ly exchance our situation for a comfortable Bed. But I like it much better than I do the Regular guard. It is not so tiresome as it is to walk

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a Beat 2 hours at a time. My Eyes trouble me but very little now and [?][crossedout] only when I have been on guard and then the Medicine which you sent cures them very soon. others have tried it with the same effect. My clothes are all good. I have got a very pretty Blue Frock coat large enough to ware our my two Jackets. I didnt have it when I had my Pictures taken. I Recd a letter from Ruth yesterday. I will send it to you as I have not time to tell you what she wrote. I have got Paper and envelopes in plenty. I Sold a part of that which you sent me to accomodate. We cannot have anymore Franking done. I am out of money but I have got a dollar order on the Brick Store I buy Butter. I will tell you more about it next time. I think we shall be Paid off again next Saturday. My

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health is y[crossed out] very good. I must close now with a happy new year to all Yours Affectionately Rufus

PS I am by axident obliged to send you a small portion of my candle

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Washington D.C. Jany 29th

Dear Brother I have been wateing as patiently as possible for the Mail to arrive hopeing that it will be my good fortune to receive a letter. I now hear that the Mail has arrived and five minutes more will decide the matter which is of so much interest to me. It is later today than I ever new it to be before. It is now nearly 7 o clock. Dress parade at 1/2 past 4 then supper (Rice and Sugar) but I eat tosted Bread and Butter. I have got Rice enough for the present. Hold here comes the

             the

(Orderly) with ^ mail a whole

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handfull of letters and Papers so I guess there is one for me (Now listen) H W Beeke. A Lufkin. J Frank Hill. Rufus Robins. Here. This way in the Bunk writeing. Now hold on a bit and less read it. Well not quite so long as I get sometimes but a very good letter. I am glad to hear that Grandpar is some better. I pray earnestly that his life may be spared until I return home. As soon as I read that John [Bouldra?] was comeing the very thought occured to my mind which you suggested before reading what you had written. I will do all I can to shield him from the bad

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influences which will certain surround him. His Brother is well. I was on guard with him the day that I Recd your letters makeing enquirey about him and mentioned the same to him but I forgot to mention it when I wrote. I think I am as well satisfied with the new horse as you are and that is I think saying a greatdeal. But as you say nothing of his looks I had maid up my mine that he is rather deficient in that respect. I would rather have mothers opinion on that matter. I must close now as the Drum

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is beating for the last Roll call. My health is good ours Affectiontely Rufus