Sunday Oct the 19 1862
Pleasent Vally Maryland
Well Charlotte I have just come in from inspection and I thought I would answer your letter wich I received last evening just as I was getting my plate and cup redy to get my ration of crakers and meat and coffe and I was so glad to hear from you that I let my supper go and read the letter and was glad to hear that you were all well and it found me harty tough and saucy. I feel as if I could wipp six or eight rebels my self. I dont know wether I shal have a chance at the scoundrels or not. I heard they were agoing to settle this mater but I dont know how it is there is so meny camp stories but I hope so for there has ben blood shed. James and David Brown were here to see us again yesterday. I wrote the particulars about John in my last letter and I wrote John Wagoner this weak. James is agoing to send a box home. He is agoing to send Johns dress coat blanket and panel. You wanted me to let you know how we faird. We have a cloath tent wich is large enoug for eight to sleep in. Erastus William Batcher Burge Parly and James Dore and myself tent together. We buy straw to lay on and sleep like pigs in the clover. We have meat rice beans coffe and sea crackers to eat. Parly is one of the cooks. I cant buy eney thing for wat it is worth here. I have paid 3 cents for a small aple and other things according. You stated in your letter that you talked of moving. I think you had better and not stay alone. You wanted me to let you know if I wanted eneything. I dont now as I am in want of eney thing yet but if we dont go futher south I shal want my wrapers. I dont think we will winter here. I hope not. It will be a cold place. I hope we will go futher south. We have to drill about 4 ours a day. They are very strict with us but I think that will be plaid out after a wile. I guess I shall have to begin to think of drawing to a close for this time. We have preaching here and I shal have to begin to get ready to go. You wanted me to write long leters. I think this one will do. It is hard work to write without a stand but I shal write often and I want you to do the same. I like to hear from you often. It is the only way we can visit and write all the news. If you cant get it all on one sheet take to. Ciss Maty 17 times a day for me. Give my love to father and mother and all the rest of the folks and reserve a good share for yourself. No more at preasent. So good by.
Charles
Charlotte
I send you some songs the other day. I want you to learn them so that you can sing them when I come home. I think they are good ones for the times.