Stevenson Ala
March the 31 /64
Dear Charlotte
This is a verry pleasent day and I havent eney thing to do so I will write a fiew lines to you hoping you will answer it so I will have a letter to. You do verry well but it is a great comfort to me to get letters from you. I answered the last letter. I look for another in a day or two. I am well but I am going to have the mumps. One side of my neck is quite sore and swelling and the other side is some sore. I think I will have them on both sides. Nearly half the regt has got them. Some of the boys are verry sick. I wish I could be home while I have the mumps but there is no use talking about that but how glad we soldiers will be when this cruel war is setteld. It is verry hard for us to be away from our friends so long but when I remember the great cause in wich we are engaged it gives me great consolation. I hope the time will soone come when we can rise in the morning and every thing we meet may seeme to say peace once more over our land and the union restored and we can say the clash of arms rattling of drums is no more heard and the bright glittering steele has disappeared and then we can enjoy the sweets comforts of life in the presence of wives and children fathers and mothers brothers and sisters. How good it will seam to be free and not expect every day to go in amonst a shower of whizing bullets and exploding shells. I am not verry anxous to go in eney more battles but if we are colled on to go we fight willingly. The 137th knows no disgrace and can and will do her part but we are made to mourn when we look back and view the anticipation of the past to see our full compenies with now but so fiew in number but that is the fate of war. I have ben spared this long for what purpose I know not but I hope for some good purpose. George Perkins has got back. He dident bring the socks. He went to Waggs Hotell. I dont make much diference. I can get along. Ceep them untill I get home then I will wear them out. Write as often as you can and I will do the same. We are here yet and hope to stay. My best respects to all of our folks. Kiss the children for me. Good buy. My love to you.
Chas Engle