I rec'd. a letter from you this morning under date of Dec. 6 7th & 8th. Very glad to hear from you. I rec'd. a letter Delinda [i.e., Delinda Jackson] on Satuday but was on duty and yesterday I felt sleepy from going without sleep the night before and dull from a severe cold that I took by its coming on very cold and stormy the night I got here.
     My cold is now much better and I am getting more used to it. It was a little tough for a hospital bummer to come out at such a time. You spoke of the 31st & 32nd being consolidated. I have no doubt that they will be and a part of the officers of the 32nd mustered out but I cannot under the circumstances, now get mustered as a Lieut. so I will only rank as 1st Srgt. and I fear will

not get out of it this time. If I felt that I had been treated justly and the dear brave fellows with me had been treated as they deserved, I should intend to see the "Show" out at some rate even if I did it as a private but old "Jack" dont feel that he has lost all ambition yet. I would rather get my discharge than to have a thousand dollars. Still I couldn't give a thousand until I could get some more. There are great movings of the Army but our Brigade at least a part of it remains here as yet.