Stevenson Ala
Feb the 14 /64
Dear Wife
I received your letter of the 6th this morning. I am glad you are enjoying good health. I got the paper you sent me. I havent read it yet. I will write a letter first. It rains here to day. It is warme weather. You stated that Batchers folks havent got the things I sent. I see Capt Saege. He seas he left them to the American. They was done up in a large envelope directed to Henery Batcher. I am verry sorry. I want them to get them things. Tell them to go there again and see if they wont get the things. Capt Sweet is here. He came down with a lot of men. He is going back to Elmira tomorrow. I guess I will send my money by him. He can put it in the office there and it will go through all safe. I will send $26. I heard they had raised soldiers wages. I hope they have. I think they should the prices we have got to pay for everything. The sidicens get $2.50 per day for working on the roads and rations found. I think the soldier deserves the most pay. Now is the time for men out of the army to make money. Veterans get a big bounty. We havent ben in long enough to reenlist and I dont care much about it eney way. I wont enlist untill I am a free man again. Jacob has ben home again. He is luckey. Some of the regt have finely see some rebels but not armed rebels. I like to see them come in and give themselves up. There was a squad come in the other knight numbering 150. I would reather have them come in than to fight them. You had better not send a box. We may not stay here much longer and perhaps never get it. If you can send me some socks you may. The chaplain came back yesterday. He took the old flag home with him. I suppose it is in Owego. I wish you could see it. There haint but little left of it. We will have a new one. You thought I hadent got the letter that stated about your selling the cow but I got it. I guess I get all your letters. I am glad you have a better chance to send and get your mail. You will be verry lonesome again when you move up in the house. I hope it wont be long when I can be there with you. I think you and I both would enjoy ourselves better than we do now. I think the war cant last but little longer. If we can onely escape the first battle but I am afraid that wont be our luck. I shall have to close for the want of room. Write often as you can. I will put the money in this. Hope you will get it. Good buy.
Chas Engle