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

All are in "tip top health" and hopes she is too. Weather is clear but cool. Has been cooking beef all day. Is "the fattest I have been since we have been married." All the men can eat "like pigs." Does not think he will have to fight much once fighting starts, because his regiment is in the reserve corps. Leg had almost healed when it "began to swell up on my knee and got very sore." The doctor put "some stuff" on it, and it is getting better. Can still walk very well. His work is not too hard. Does not think any of his friends will get hurt fighting. Stopped writing for the night, and received another letter the next morning. The shanty is warm; the fireplace is always full of wood. Has heard that Richmond is close to falling into Union hands. There was a naval battle between Union and Confederate boats in which Union ironclads sunk two rebel boats and ran another two aground. Heavy guns have started to shell the city. The guns must be large, because they are over 30 miles from Richmond and "they made the ground jar." About 2,000 rebel deserters came to Union lines. "Some come over every night from 20 to 100… The rebels are getting sick of" fighting. Would like to hear from "the folks back home." She should feel glad that he came down to fight in the fall as a volunteer instead of as a draftee in the spring "for nothing." Believes that he "will come out alright," because his time will be two thirds done by the time fighting starts up again in the spring. Can feel the time when he can come home coming closer. Would love to see her, but is patient and willing to wait, for he trusts in the Lord. Reminds her that he loves her.