Dear Minerva

     Having an oppertunity of sending you a letter direct by Basil Shrodes son I avail myself of it to let you know how I am getting along
     My health had been gradually improving up to to my last writing of which I had kept you informed I never was more hopeful of permanently restored health than I had been for the last two weeks previous to the 21st of this month. I had taken a kind of Influenza which seemed to be prevailing to a considerable Extent in camp. It was quite annoying but I was able for duty until the 21st when I had quite a sever attack of my old complaint. For a few hour I suffered greatly. Since that time I have tried to keep myself as quiet and as much in my tent as possible. I am doing firstrate My cold is giving way and if it was not for the bitter Experience I have had I should feel a great deal of confidence that in a very short time I would again be in proper health. If there are should be indications of my having as protracted a spell as I had befor, I will feel it to be my duty, as much as I should regret the necessity of seeking to have my

Resignation accepted. I doant know that I could accomplish it if I should attempt it. There are so many seeking through unworthy motives to get out of the Service who are really able bodied men that it makes it the more difficult for those who should be discharg to succeed. But I do not feel like I should have a very serious time. I have not went out of Camp I am now able to walk about and have the best of attention. I will write often but will have to send by mail which is slow and uncertain.
     I think in two or three days more I will be able to knock around quite freeley
     Write soon and remember me to all

Your affectionate Husband
George Thomas