Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
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The drums are just beating the Tattoo to warn the men that it is
bed time, but I must write you a few lines before retireing.
It is Sunday eve and I am in my little Tent all alone and
well situated for my mind to wander towards home with all
its pleasant associations and I must say that at such times
as these I am a little inclined to be homesick. I dont mean
to say I am really homesick but I feel many times that the
pleasures of camp and of the field are of but little account
compared with the pleasures I might enjoy at home with my
dear little family and among my friends.
Still I feel that my place is here and I should feel guilty
if I should leave the Army under the present circumstances.
I have been thinking of getting a leave of absence and make
you a short visit but I think now I had better not till
spring for I don’t know what effect the change might have on
me I have been thinking that perhaps you had better come and
stay a while with me but presume you will object to
that.
Since I last wrote we have had some pretty cold weather and for
the first time this winter some snow about 4 inches but we
are very comfortably situated and dont fear a little snow I
have been out to our out posts to day and had
a
ride of about 15 miles I will send you a map of this country
in a few days so you may know just how we are situated. I
have not heard from you since I recd the two letters
together of the 3d & 7th instants only think 14 days and
no knowing how my dear little ones are but I am in hopes I
will get a letter or two tomorrow from you and be assured
they are entirely recovered. Tomorrow is the 22d and the
anniversary of Washingtons birth day. We are to have the
declaration of Independence read &c &c and celebrate
the day generally. I have a pleanty of work to do these days
and I am glad it is so for the harder I work the better
contended I am. I will close to night and perhaps write more
before the mail goes tomorrow.
Affly Yours V. G. Barney