Dear Mary

     Again I drop you line trust you and the children all well I am quit well and doing verry well I think we will go in to winter quarters some where in this country but not on the Rail Road. no singn of a fight at this time and by next spring when the the fights open our time will be out consequently I dont think the 8th Tenn Regt will have any fighting to do we are in a no" one neighbour and clever folks I was at preaching last sunday and sunday night and am going to night again I have made the acquaintance of the parson he is a good speaker

and a good Odd Fellow the first one I have found in N. W. Va I felt just like I had met with a Brother indeed. I am enjoying my self better than I ever expected to in N. W. Va Mary trust you are doing well try and content yourself be of good cheer and may God help you to give me up for a while cheerfully when we get settle in winter quarters I am coming home if I can get the chance dont put to much confidence in this for I dont want to disappoint you for I would not do any thing to dishearten you now I will see you and my Babe if I can and if I cant get off i will stand at my post as long as any man in the 8th Tenn Regt. I made a short talk to our Boys this morning

at Dress Parade and I think they are a set of the finest looking men I ever saw they have all received their winter clothing and every one is dressed up in his best I received every thing you sent me and they all suit me verry well and came in good time for the ground is hard froze here and covered with snow and still cloudy and looking verry much like it would snow more but that Bunch of socks you sent Capt Melears Company [i.e., Capt. B. E. Malear's Co. B, 8th Tennessee Infantry] done me more good than any thing I have seen. to think you you have the patriotism to send things to our soldiers that they so much need I know now that you can spare me a few short month to defend you and my little ones whom I love

you stated that you would like to have my picture I wish I could have it taken I take great delight in sending it to you but there is no chance to get it here you can send to Papas and get my picture with yours If I can get my picture any time I will send it you give my best wishes to all my friends and especially Mrs Wynns and Mrs Gill Mary Kiss all of the children for me you will hear from me soon again &c

yours as ever
Chris C. McKinney