Camp Convalisent [sic] Near Fort Barnard VA

Sunday June 7th 1863

Feeling quite lonesome. Got her letter Tuesday and that’s all he got. “I have not got an answer yet to that letter I wrote to the Col maybe he will never answer it there was all my hopes in getting home in getting an answer from him they have Stopt [sic] giveing [sic] papers here to Officers & Privates and it is almost imposible [sic] to get out of the grounds now I hope something will turn up pretty soon so as to give us a Chance to get home oh Dear Clara how hard it seems to be where I Can Come home and yet I Cannot it is hard telling whether they would let me Come if they knew I was dying or some of you at home I am dreaming of you & home almost every night but morning finds me always in hearing of fifes & drum how odious they Sound to me now I used to take delight in hearing them.”

Asks her to let him know how much Provisions cost at home now and “how much rent are you paying for that miserable old paddy hole don’t blame me Dear Clara for speaking so of the place you live in for you know what a strong dislike I always had for it I think if I Came Home you wouldn’t stay in it long. I am afraid nobody will call there to see you in that place.” Asks how Sara Graff doing because she hasn’t written about her in a long time. Has so much to tell Clara that he can’t put in writing. Hopes she will write again soon because it is consolation for him since he can’t see her. “Send them pictures for I cant wait much longer before I see them little ones of mine”. Is sending her a letter for his folks and hopes they will write to him. Asks if she has heard from George because George hasn’t written to him and he doesn’t know George’s “directions” so if she knows them please send them. Fletch is better but still in the hospital. Lengthy closing.