27 January 1863

White Oak Church
January 27th 1863

Dear Father,

We are back again in our old camp & in snug quarters once more. The day after I sent my last letter we were set at work drawing out Pontoon boats with a drag rope. It took about 100 men to a boat. It was so bad that the horses could not draw them out so they hitched up us soldiers we had to draw them about two miles. The mud was very deep. We got through about three o’clock & started for home but did not go but a few miles & stopped for the night. It rained that night & we had orders to be ready to march at half past seven but did not go until about noon & then started for camp which we reached about dark.

The roads were very muddy & we had a very hard march. I saw Dana Kelsey. He is well. John is at Richmond as prisoner. He was taken at Dumphries by Stuart.

We have things fixed up again in very good style but not as good as before. It is raining tonight. We go on guard tomorrow.

Enclosed find my allotment of $28.00 (December 1st 1862, No. 715). I have lost my account with you. You no doubt have it all. Take out all the money you have sent me [and] also what Edwin has. $10 of the $15 I borrowed of W. D. Beers is to be charged to A. P. Jones. I think that I have a little ($16) in your hands but I have had some money since all of which straighten up & let me know as soon as you can how much that is my due. Keep what there is over for I have more to send as soon as I receive the amount that you have. We received but four months pay. We have most three more due us.

I could not draw Har Parker’s pay. They will no doubt get it in the hospital. Do not fail to let me know & as soon as you can the amount my due of what you have with this $24.

You have no doubt got more news than I could tell you. I have not seen a paper for some time. I think that we shall stay here some time. Do as you like about the express box. Send some sausage & head cheese.

January 28th—Never rained last night but commenced snowing this morning & has snowed all the forenoon. We are on guard. Yours respectfully, — Chas. E. Bradley