Chicago IllNov 9th 1862Dear Maria

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I have just been to supper (Oyster Soup) and will now try and write you a short letter so that Pattee can carry it down in the morning. I recd one from you to day the first you wrote after getting the one I first wrote, and it seems you are quite anxious for me to come home and stop for a while. Well I think if I keep on gaining that in a week from now I will be able to stand the journey and if I can get a furlough and can borrow money enough to get home I will try and go but there are so many “ifs” in the way that the prospect is not of the most favourable character but there is nothing like trying. I am getting along slowly but as with the jaundice generally my legs are not much better than wooden ones and not so good in some respects as they tire out very quick. Yesterday and to day have been very pleasant days and I have been out a number of times and walked about the yard and enjoyed the

pure fresh air of out doors once more. I got a good long letter from Mercie last night and it done my heart good and I will assure you it will not be forgotten. She had not heard of my being sick. I wrote to Father and Silas yesterday but news is so meager with me I cant write much I dont have my mind on my Co much and dont trouble myself about it much. To day Sgt Whitmore was up and made me a visit also Sgt Halbert and Sartwell and they all seem very anxious for my welfare. Meigs I hear is well with the exception of a cold but I have not seem him for 3 weeks. The men have all got colds in fact and the Hospital is running over full and 20 Have died since we came here and it averages now one death per day right along in the regiment but that is nothing as long as the Government can get us kept here for 10 ¾ cents per day each I would write more but I guess this half sheet will do for this time and I write so often. Kiss the little ones and keep up good Courage for I hope there is better days in store for us

Truly Your AffectionateV.G. Barney