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Near Farfax Station January 14 1863 Dear Parents I thought I would wait until I heard about Andrew who had been sent to the hospital in Washington. I suppose by now you have heard of his death. Andrew was very sick when he was sent from here and I am sure that the journey was too much for him. but the oders were to ship all sick off to the hospital. He had not been well since we came here to this camp but was kept around for 3 days before being shipped off. The doctor said that if he got to the hospital he would stand a much better chance of getting better. It is all past now and poor Andrews soldering days are over. Mr. Burch left here this morning and said he would go to Taunton as soon as he got back to tell you how we are getting along. I need a good jackknife. All a solder needs is a good knife, a tin cup,and plenty of rations. Harrison, Jimmy, and myself are pretty busy cutting poles to build a foundation for our tent. Today we put our tent on it. It is about 3 1/2 feet high and 8 feet square. We intend to fix a place to sleep tomorrow so we won't have to sleep on the ground while we are staying here. The Regiment received a new supply of clothing today. I drew a pair of pants, 2 pairs of stockings, and a haversack so we look decent once more. The Regiment received all the boxes yesterday that were left at Harpers Ferry after the Regiment left. George Warner got his box and I got the papers and envelops you sent with it. There were 3 large wagon loads of boxes for the regiment. Capt. Lynches company got some whisky in their boxes and the whole company had a free fight. I don't know as I blame them for getting drunk for the officers set the example. .......next morning I just heard this morning that we are under orders to march again. We are to have 3 days rations in our haversacks, 8 days rations in the wagons, and to be ready to march on 12 hours notice. I suppose by this time Burnside is making a move and we are to be ready to reinforce him if we are wanted. Oliver |
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