Newport Barracks N.C. Nov 12th 1863 Dear Maria

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I was much pleased yesterday to recieve two letters from you one was dated Oct 28th the other Nov 4th. They have been some time on the but the news was just as good to me as though I had heard it before. Lt. Jewett arrived here to day and I gave him a right smart scolding for not making you a visit and take a look at the children for me. He is looking better than when he left- he says you are getting your back up because so many are going home continually and I remain here. You also make mention of it in your last letter. The fact is Maria I have not seen the chance yet to get away and I have been hoping something might turn up so

I could go as well as not but in vain so far- At present all officers are allowed is 20 days and we are so far away it would take nearly or quite half of that time in going and coming. Officers are also allowed only half pay while on leaves. I have been in hopes we would be so situated that I could have you come and make me a good long visit and perhaps bring one of the chil- dren, but so far the prospect is rather poor but I have not yet given up all hope- and am impressed that not many months will pass before we shall meet- Nothing of interest has transpired since I last wrote. I have hardly been out of camp, except last night I went out to "Canadas Mills" abt 3 miles where Co "D" is stationed & to night I took a ride on my "Madam" as Sam calls the colt and to use his words, she is getting to be "right [peirt]" and I think she will be a fine mare

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when she gets a little more age. I have been offered $100 for her but choose to keep her and see what she will do- I presume Lester has given you a history and description of every thing he saw. I have had a number of buggy rides lately and old Frank is a fine carriage horse I presume I shall keep him and if nothing happens take him home with me- This is a great country for game- ducks are very thick. bears also, and one came very near our camp only two nights since and a few nights before two deer came right into camp. They are very plenty- Every evening we hear foxes barking and often very near but we dont dare shoot here as the orders are very strict and no firing allowed so generally our visitors go unharmed I intend to go over to "bogue sound" in a few days and shoot some ducks or try to at least- but I dont expect much success as I am not much of a hunter I think

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Orrin Dorman would enjoy stopping in these parts a while- Nov 13th 1863 I was obliged to stop writing last eve on account of visitors as usual; but my letter will go just as quick as though finished last eve. We have just got News of Genl Meads advance and capture of abt 2000 prisoners, so are feeling pretty well over it and hope he will find the road to Richmond right over Lee's Army, or though it. To day is very warm and I find it uncomfortable with a coat on- like a June day in Vt, but we have pretty cold nights- We have got our mess to running again and feel more at home. I have not said much about our living lately for I think best not to say any thing if not good of it- My sheet is about full and I will close Give my best love to all our folks & kiss Mary & the weens for me I presume Mary will flush when you read this if she does give her two.

I remain your aff & devoted Val