Camp near Potomac Creek, VA

Thursday February 19th, 1863

Is well, 4 inches of snow then heavy rain turned into mud. Tom is back and looking better than he has since he got to Virginia. Tom is wondering “why Mr. William Jones don’t write to him and me. I for my part shall never write him another Letter as long as I live until [sic] I get one from him. I should think at home where everything is handy to sit down to a table and write he might easily of answered one of my letters but if he don’t care for me I don’t for him. I write a great many letters here at a great Inconvenience. I have to sit down and take a Board on my lap Instead of sitting at a table. Dear Clara I have commenced going to school again we have Sargents Call here ever morning at ten o clock and we have to get a lesson and recite it before the Lieut Col it seems quite Naturel [sic] to go to school again only if you were here to go with [sic] me it would seem more Naturel [sic] you know you used to go to School with me once I can Remember how you used to look with your little bare feet Pattering along the Road but those Days are gone Dear Clara and we have seen happier ones and I pray to the good god that gave us Existience [sic] we may see them once more”.

Col has gone to Washington on furlough for a week and some think he has gone to pick out a place there for them. Rumor that they will go back to Washington and the Army of the Potomac may be broken up. “We are Detailed or rather about 60 of our Regt is Every Morning to build fortifycations [sic] between here and Acquia Creek. People assume they will fall behind it and take transports back to Washington. Mr. Demming has not arrived yet, they have been expecting him for a few days. Fletch got some things that were sent down by Tom Gray. “He told me there was no gloves sent to me in that package. Dear Clara I don’t wish you should send me anything more by Demming he charges to [sic] much and I can get along without those things very well”. Lengthy closing signed “Your Husband Peter L.D. soldier of the Potomac”