I have tonight received a letter, which you sent from John Holmes, one from Cousin May, two papers from May & one from home I am thankful for all of them. I hope that you will not forget to send me papers & letters frequently.
     I am on guard tonight. my letters seem to come just when I most need them. I shall go on at ten so shall sit up until that time.
Last night we had a prayer meeting for the first time since we left Camp Lincoln & certainly I had forgotten how good they were. We shall now have two aweek, one tomorrow eve. We have a new meeting house about thirty by fifty feet & we find it quite convenient.

     This is a pleasant night. very pleasant & as I beat to & fro I cannot help thinking of the sleigh rides that I would take if I could be in Maine, for you say snow is abundant, but that young man that is unwilling to make sacrifice in such a time as this I consider as unworthy to enjoy the blessings of peace. I do not say that all ought to be soldiers but all should share the common burden.

Dec.5. 6 oclk morn.

I am just off guard. I was on the first Relief. I went on a day or two before my turn on account of a blunder on our orderly's part but as it is clouding up I am not sorry at all. I have almost got to liking rainy weather when I am not on guard for we do not have to drill & it gives us more time to ourselves. I would like to know what difference it makes to a soldier, when he wants his clothes mended

whether his sisters are tayloresses or any thing else. I have put in a watch pocket & I feel quite pleased with its looks. I did not think I could do so well. Write me more about how the home affairs, how the stock flourishes, how things are generally. How is old Watch this winter? Aged infirm persons are apt to suffer much more during cold weather I believe.
     Delora [i.e., Delora Jackson], I thought you were going to write me often I now want to have it verified. I suppose that you looked over John Holmes letter. if you did not he is well but is not at school now. I dare not stop to write more now for the mail closes soon. I send Nathan a letter by this mail. My love to you all. Write soon & often. Affectionately yours

John M. Jackson
Co A. 23 Me. Regt.