Newport BarracksN.C. Nov 26th 1863 Dear Maria

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It seems almost useless for me to write to day, but I know just how you will feel if you dont get letters from me often and I must say I am glad to have a wife who is so anxious about her absent Husband for I fear if anxiety was lacking Love would be also and Dear Maria no one knows the happiness I feel by being possessed of a wife who I know has a deep love for me and one who will always be so true to me. I recieved a letter from you yesterday dated the 18th and a good one it was. such letters are worth having I am glad if any of my expressions seem to give you pleasure. I presume although you now perfectly well my feelings it does you good to have me express them occasionally I know I have the same feelings you do, and your expressions are just as dear to me as mine are to you. One year ago today I was at home with you I think I left for Chicago the 27th the time seems long. Then I thought the war would be ended by this time, but to all appearances it is no nearer ended than then but no knowing but that peace may be proclaimed in a month. God grant it. Well it seems you have at least got your cistern under way I hope nothing will prevent your getting it completed. The trough you can get of Brooks, pump also and H. Roby to do the work but I presume it will be all fixed before this reaches

you. Have you got the blinds on yet you never told me if so; do they improve the looks of the house any? You speak of digging vegetables & shoveling dirt &c I wish you would get some boy or man to do it for you for your health is none to good now besides I think it better to pay slaves than to make slaves of ourselves. I see you dont understand the postage law as well as I do. When I dont put stamps enough on you have to pay double price for all that it lacks and you must remember that scales are a very scarce article in the Army especially those small ones. Your idea also of sending for 8 cts per lb all sorts of stuff is wrong. it is only for printed matter. Clothing &c is the same as letters, 3 ct for ea half oz. To day is Thanksgiving day and I presume abt now (3 oc P.M.) you are enjoying the Luxuries of Vt. I wish I could step in and enjoy it with you. Col Ripley & abt 20 more have gone over to Berdens Banks on a hunt and they will be back abt 4 oc when we will have our feast. Roast Turkey, Chicken Pie, Apple & Custard Pie, &c &c. Can you beat that? We are to be paid off in a few days. The paymaster is now at Newbern & sent us word. Genl Butler was here a few days ago. he has grown old fast since I saw him at Newport News. We are now having officers recitations in Regulating & Tactics twice a week I have to be teacher. you see I am taking up your old trade. I have just commenced a house for Field & Staff of the 9th. tents are good yet. weather is warm. Love to all

Your Aff Hussy V.G. Barney