Newport BarracksN.C. Dec 9th 1863My Dear Wife

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It is now a week since I recd your last letter and the time seems long but we expect to get a mail this forenoon at 10 1/2 o.c. Then I will get two letters I am sure for they always come by pairs I did not go to the hunt yesterday as I expected but Col R- went and their success was not first rate only getting one deer a wild Hog & coon. the deer was a larger one and we will have some venison steak for dinner. The reason I did not go is that it wont do to have too many officers away at a time so I remained in Commd I wrote Carrie & Fred each a short simple letter and presume they will be pleased to recieve them. Old Frank the horse I sent you a likeness of I sold yesterday for $250 - to Mr. Bell a citizen here I would not have sold him but he did [not]

suit me exactly being rather too small and most too dull. I dont know when I shall get another but I think I will try and have one bought in Vermont and sent to me I have written to George to know if he will sell his but I presume he will not I want one a little better than any in the regiment if I can get one. I have got two men at work on my house and presume it will be finished in about a month but a tent here is very comfortable and I only have a fire at morning & night the weather is splendid and warm as one could wish. The mail has arrived and a disappointed fellow I am, not a letter! but I content myself with knowing that it is not your fault for although the mail run irregularly I know you write at regular intervals. Does Mary think of going home this month I hope she will not to stay I will not close this but merely quit it to resume another day. Love to all

Your best earthly friend Val