Camp Parole Near Alexandria VA

Sunday August 16th 1863

Got her letter and wants to answer even though he wrote yesterday. Got a likeness of Mother and likes it very much, can see she’s grown older, tell her he likes it a great deal “and it shall never leave me while I have strength to carry it. I have a pretty good lot of Pictures now to carry about But I don’t mind the heft of them I am sorry I did not get a Better one of Ida it has most disappeared & look [sic] quite Dim.”

“It is reported here in Camp that the yellow Fever is Raging Pretty Bad & this Morning they Commenced giveing [sic] us Whiskey & Quinine to keep it off I for my part have not seen a case of it yet.” Sent her $25 by Express. “Oh how I do wish I could see you to day I feel so lonesome I hope you feel Better over our seperation [sic] than what I do if you don’t you must feel miserable indeed I am sweating like a Butcher while I am writeing [sic] this for oh my you cant begin to tell how hot it is down here But the nights are getting somewhat cooler so we manage to sleep a little Better than we did 2 weeks ago”. “Seeing Joey feels so bad I will try & write her a few lines to day I hope you will tell me next what that young [top?] has to say about me and if she lied to you or said anything bad I refer you to Sarah Graff for I was not out of her sight all the whole day … I never thought she was much anyway. Oh Dear Clara I have never done anything wrong no more than what you have seen with your own eyes & god helping I don’t mean to do it Believe me I have always been true as steel to you through life & so wish to remain.” Closing.