Newport Bks- Dec 12th 1863 My Dear Maria

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I recd two letters from you yesterday one dated Nov 29th & 30th some time on the way. I am sorry you feel so about not seeing me at home but glad to know there is one who loves me so deeply & sincerely. remember Dear Maria, that though we are long separated, our hearts are firmly united Well you got your present & Carrie hers. I did not know they would get through in time for the 30th. you did not tell me how they look or how long the cape is. I expect they will last forever. I should think Carries must be very nice for by what Silas wrote me they were $50- he did not say who they were for but I thought they were for Mary till I got your letter. Sure enough Silas is thoughtfull of his relatives and I hope to be able to repay him for his numerous kindnesses in some way. I got a letter from George to day

but he asks $300 for his horse which is a larger price than I can think of paying at present. I have written to Dr. Morgan to look up one for me he being a good judge of good horses but I presume I wont buy till I get home and see for myself. I got a letter from Father from N.York. it seems business is good with him and that he and Clark have come to some settlement. Dec 13th Sunday-

Dear M- I stoped writing yesterday because I thought we should get another mail to day but it did not come although it has been at Newbern for two days and I know there are letters in it from you and it is not very easy waiting when it is so nearby but still out of our reach. To day is a very dull day though pleasant, we had a hard rain last night and heavy wind I lay awake 3 or 4 hours expecting every minute that my tent would come down but it stood it through but the Chaplains blew over and gave him a nice wetting.

but we expect to have our house done this week and move into it. we have got it all boarded up and have commenced on the roof. You have written about my muster twice. I conclude that my three years is out when the mens is and that the last muster dont effect that at all. Even if it did I dont think I should stay longer than the three years any way and I have strong hopes that the war will be ended even before that and all of us turned loose to go home to the bosom of our dear families. Our time is now about 1/2 out and the time has not seemed as long as the 3 mos I spent in the first Vt did. when I am occupied the time passes very quickly. We are now living well and have Turkeys, Chickens, or venison steak every day & lots of warm Cakes & Nutcakes It is awful hard for me to write to days so take this as a letter & I will try and improve in my next.

Your Aff Husband V.G. Barney