You are already aware that while I am here I am occupied much of the time in thinking of you and the other dear objects at that dear old home. I have been thinking more of home since I came to the hospital, and I believe that nothing but duty could tempt me to leave it for such hardships as I have to endure here. still I want to bear my part in the great struggle for freedom.
     I want to be doing so many things at home and in that vicinity that I feel a little impatient for the war to close but I think I shall have time enough to do those things after I get home. The Drs. have just passed through the hospital an if I had not been writing I think I should

have been sent to City Point but I believe I as lief stay here and run the risk. The pesky lice are thick here and I expect they are full as plenty there as they are here. I shall be glad to have lice lose their power over me I had got pretty clear of them before I came to the hospital, still the flies tormented me terribly, but, like poor Whittington Jack's "troubles now afresh did rise, By night as well as day." I have not heard from Cousin Converse for a long time. I trust he is pretty well by this time. Our Co. is extremely small I dont know how many there are but know there are very few. I so want to look in on the quiet family ciricle. I should like to take a look at the ornamental trees. And more than a passing look at the apple trees. I dont feel as though I could help eating enough to make myself sick.

     I long to see the flowers. Where I went first there was a flower garden overgrown with weeds. even that seemed good. It seems pleasanter here since so many that were quite disgusting have been sent off. I am anxious to have something done still I cannot but feel that we ought to have some of the new troops so as to rush them when we get the rebs started. I hope the good news of last night will not be contradicted tonight.
Seems to me most of the Greene [i.e., Greene, Androscoggin County, Maine] boys have got home. Bully for them. I am glad for any one after such a campaign as we have had to get a little rest. the poor fellows need it I'll warrant. I find all soldiers think considerable of their homes and an amazing amount of their mothers. I know but few of them have so good mothers as mine, none better, but then they love their mothers I do not doubt. I dont believe they love them so well

as I do mine. I hope you will continue to write me often. From your aff. Son,

John

Dear Brother. I have not written you for some time but have written you several times since you wrote me. I expect the women take up your attention so you dont have time to write me. I have spoken about your keeping our accounts, to the rest, but I want to tell you to be sure to keep an account. We cannot remember very distinctly three years if I have to stay so long--Sergt. Gibbs [i.e., 1st Sgt. Charles Gibbs, Co. E, 32nd Maine Infantry] has returned and brings me a nice long letter from Mother, Delinda [i.e., Delinda Jackson] and Delora [i.e., Delora Jackson] under dates Aug 21st to 23rd I also rec'd one letter from Mrs. Sedgby and one from Sergt. Arnold [i.e., Sgt. Lloyd Q. Arnold, Co. D, 32nd Maine Infantry]. Some of the things I inquired about are answered in it. I hope you are enjoying all the blessings that one mortal can. I hope you will write me soon. it leaves a void not to hear from my own dear brother. I wish you could see what is going on here and how it looks to give you an idea of the army but I dont care to have you here as a soldier. When the war is over I shall be happy to be with you again for awhile but I expect you will have some very much dearer than brothers by that time
I want you to see about that house lot and see if you and father cannot decide on some lot if not on that.

Your aff. bro John.

You are wrong in thinking that I am worse than I write for I write you as I am

I dont calculate to hurry back on duty until I feel well and get rested somewhat I was lost to go off duty but now I dont care if at all about it I feel as if I had done my part and now I want to see some of the others "go in"

It makes me feel so well to get a letter from you that I almost think of reporting for duty tomorrow.