My own dearest Mother.

     Your three welcome, thrice welcome letters were handed to me yesterday they were sent from camp. Since I last wrote I have suffered much, you remember I complained of being a little unwell it turned out to be the beginning of a very violent cold contracted by unnecessary exposure, I say unnecessary and the sequel will convince you that my strong expression is warrented by fact. I was confined to the house for several days with a burning fever and general debility, every joint in my body seemed dislocated and my very bones pained as though they were subjected to a grinding process. Oh how I longed for my own dear mothers kind effective nursing altho' Mrs Helsley and daughter at whose house I am boarding did all they could for me & I can never be too grateful for the kindness extended to me by every member of the household. Lieut Blue was sick at the same time with me, and no sooner had we recovered than the Captⁿ was prostrated.

All of us were effected in the same way These colds have gone through the Reg^t. But I promised to convince you that it was unnecessary exposure which brought them on. "Old Jones" [i.e., Brig. Gen. William E. "Grumble" Jones] some time since asked as a favor that Gen^l Imboden would assist him in driving Milroy [i.e., Maj. Gen. Robert H. Milroy, USA] out of the Valley. the Gen^l in the kindness of his heart consented, we were sent, and now for one month we have been exposed without a change of clothing without cooking utincels, on half rations and almost without forage. Fortunately our compy has fared better than the rest and we have done badly. I borrowed a change of clothes from Mr Helsley and had mine washed My horse is very lame with the scratches altho' he has a good stable and plenty to eat. The house we are boarding at may almost be called a palace, the table is loaded with delicacies, so individually I wont take much harm. Gen^l Imboden has just sent us word that if Jones does not send us back in a few days he will order us back himself regardless of military etiquette, he declairs his comd shall not suffer. so by the last of this week I think we will be back in camp. King [i.e., Surgeon George M. King, 18th Virginia Cavalry] did not bring any cloth

but Maj Shumate [i.e., Maj. Thomas Shumate], our Brigade Q. M. writes us word he has 500 yards of the English cloth for the officers of the comd I shall try to get enough for two suits or at least for an overcoat & suit. I am much obliged to dear Father for his nice present and am really sorry I can not wear it. Do as you think best about it, tho' I think I shall come home for a day or two upon my return to camp. Remember I want a Jacket & coat both. I hope Father has recd my letters tho' he says nothing about it. Mat got a letter from home enclosing one to you which I would send you but he has gone on a scout to Hampshire with Lt Col Beale [i.e., Lt. Col. David E. Beall, 18th Virginia Cavalry] in compy with five other compnys only three compy's are left, and yet we three number 50 more than the six which have gone. Grandma and the girls are well, they are now undisturbed by the Yankee's, the compy stationed at the bridge from what they say are a more gentlemanly set than have yet been there. they even offer to protect them. I purchased a beautiful pistol before I came on this scout I am now well armed and equipped if my horse would only get well. I can get $600. any

time I ask it for Roland. by the way, he desires me to remember him to his masters mother and expresses a great desire to see you. Mat bought a race horse for $600 the other day. Luth has been sick but is not quite well. Capt Imboden took charge of the clothing when I reached camp. he will write to the society upon our return. send friends &c.
I have not heard from Sue dont know what to make of it. I recd a nice letter from Miss Kate which I will answer as soon as I return. It is snowing fast now what horrible weather! Love to all. How is Aunt Eve & willie. I hope "Frank" has grown sharp. Write Soon

Your Affectionate Son
G Julian Pratt.

P. S. I saw Lindsey a day or so ago he inquired after you all and desired to be remembered looks very well, declairs he must have a transfer to my company.