Newport Bks N.C.Mch 6th 64Dear Maria

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To day is Sunday and as I have about half an hour before Dress Parade will write you a few lines. The attack that we expected for a week past has not yet come and I begin to fear they will not. We are pretty well prepared to give them a good welcome We have got a breast work thrown up all around us and any amount of slashing done to prevent all advance of Cavalry or Artillery upon us. And I begin to

be anxious for them to come for I believe we could gain some glory in giving them a good repulse.

I am now in my new qrs which is a wall tent with a fine little fireplace to it and stockaded up about two feet high. Maj Bartlett stops with me and is now reading his testament near me so you see by that I am in good company.

I got a letter from you a day or two ago also one from Father and I am very sorry about the horse not because I have lot money by

the operation but because the horse was sold after I had been to so much trouble in getting one for so long and I would rather have lost two hundred dollars than been disappointed about getting him but no use as you say to cry for spilt milk. We were paid a few days since and I sent you by express $200.00 and wrote you a few lines and sent in the same envelope I am expecting the box by express every day and expect to have a fine time drinking wine and eating sausage I have been for a

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few days nearly sick but am all right now and in fine working condition. I dont think this climate is as good for our northern men as Virginia but they stand it well and but a few of the men are on the sick list. I have talked with Col R- about getting a leave of absence and he is rather opposed to it at present and thinking I had better not go till spring. Words cant express how much I want, to see you and the dear little ones but I shall have to wate till my time comes till then dear Maria keep good courage and remember that the longer the separation the happier our meeting

Affly your Hus V. G.