Hammond, Horace J., fl. 1862-1865 to Eleanor Hammond

Is very healthy: "cough is most well, my appetite is first rate, and I feel first rate." Leg is still a bit sore, but it is getting better. Fayette is healthy, but Joseph has the mumps. Eats all he can get at, and gets enough food. Moved about a mile and a half from where they had been in order to get more wood. General Gregory says that they might be putting up their shanties there. Would greatly appreciate it if she sent him his box. Wishes he could see her and Oscar, but his faith in the Lord has given him patience. Will likely wait out the winter at his current position. By the time spring comes, his service will be half done. "If you can put anything in Fayette's box… put it in." The time will come soon when he will be home again. Asks her to tell Betsey that he has not forgotten her but does not have much time to write. The next time he has a chance to write, he will try to write to her. Asks her to tell Jane and Samantha that he "would like to see them very much." Has a nice place to put up his tent. Will likely receive some pay soon, probably on the first of January. Is cooking beef for supper. Weather is warm. It is almost dusk, so he must stop writing.