Oct 22nd 1862 Camp near Harpers Ferry

Dear Wife,

I write you with a thankful heart and full stomach. I received the articles you sent me in the box mostly in good order but the grapes and pears that were together spoilt and also the pickles. I was sorry to lose them but they were moldy and tasteless. I think cotton cloth is bad to do anything up in. If you ever send any more please put them in a can and put some vinegar on them. Don’t send any more fruit that is juicy for it will spoil.

I believe Aunt Sarah is to send a large box and I understood Ezra that you were to have a chance

Oct 19th Camp near Harpers Ferry

Dear Wife,

I expected to write you a good letter today, but Col. Ross has disappointed me by committing an outrage against the laws of God and humanity. Sunday is the day for inspection of arms and clothing: when we all have to appear with clean clothes and guns and all our accouterments in apple pie order. Inspection commences at 8 AM and usually ends at nine. Today the Col. gave order that all the men not in the hospital should come out. Now, there are a good many men that are sick that don’t go to the hospital, these all had to come out and what does the old Col. do but keep

Wallingford, Oct 16th/62 Thursday Morning

Dear Friend,

It was with much pleasure I received your letter last evening, and take the first opportunity of answering it. I am enjoying myself as well as could be expected, shut up in the house with the diphtheria. I was taken about a week ago with a dreadful sore throat, but the Dr. says he thought he could break it up as it was taken in season, if I would be very careful. It is very much better this morning, and I thought I would improve the time so as to be sure to answer your letter. I think you will not find any fault with me this time, at least.

We were expecting

Oct. 15th Camp near Harpers Ferry

Dear Wife,

I am very busy at present, we are cleaning up the ground here and building an oven for baking and I have to superintend the job. I guess from appearances we are to stay here for some time, if you want to send a box send it soon and according to the directions in a previous letter. I shall get it, Sergeant Paddock has received one today, it was only 3 days on the road.

Send on some some dried beef if you can afford it, a little butter, and some jelly would not go bad. If Orin wants to send some wine, I have no objection. I don’t want any clothes