Camp Douglas Feby 25 1863Dear Wife

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This is a very wet rainy eve and as Lieut Jewett & Sherman are out and I here all alone I will write you a few of my thoughts. To day I have been sitting on C. Martial and we have disposed of 5 cases we tried the man for aiding the Rebels to get away but there was not proof enough to convict him, the other cases were for desertion and they are all to receive very severe punishments. The fact is there ought to be a few of, them shot as examples and perhaps it would frighten others to remain who will now desert. I see Gen Hooker is about to have 30 of them shot. it seems rather hard, but to secure discipline in our army some such measures must be adopted I got a letter from you yesterday but you dont speak of the small pox being so near you I think there will be no trouble with the children if their arms work well we have a great

number of cases now here and there are about 60 now down with it and some 5 have [died]. two of my company are now sick with it and one of them was in my room just as he was commencing to break out I dont feel much afraid of it but to be sure I got vaccinated this morning so as to be on the safe side We had great doings here last Monday Celebrating the anniversary of Washington’s birth day and there was a grand procession performed composed of militia and fire companies &c. All the 9th went out who were not on duty and all together made two companies I did not have any command being on splendid duty, but I went down to the City and looked on with the rest we had a grand speech at Bryan Hall and some excellent music and it being a nice day every thing went off well except that the boys got very tired marching so far after having been up the night before on guard. I never saw streets more crowded than that day In the eve the officers of Camp Douglas had a dance at the Briggs House and I understand they had a gay

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time. I was urged to attend but thought best to stay at home or at camp I should say and I think I done the best thing, The rebels how have got leave to take the oath of allegiance and quite a number have already taken it and have been released and probably others will do so. The oath is very strict and some of them complain about it and declare they will stay here till they die before they will subscribe to such a document I see by the papers that the conscription bill has become law and I presumed before long they will be drafting all over the country and a general leaving for Canada will be one of the results I hope the President will get enough men in the field to make short work of it and have this rebellion done with. the consolidation act has also passed and no one knows how soon our Reg will be united to some other and I dont care I hope you will continue in good health and that the children will be always good and mind you I consider them in good hands and have no fears but that they will be taught what is right Kiss them for me and believe me your

Affectionate and devoted Husband Val