Camp near Murfreesboro Tenn Dec [illegible]9th 186[2?]
Dear "folks at home"
We came from near Eagleville
yesterday. Marched about 20 miles. We are now
camped about 1 mile from Murfreesboro in
a very good place, wood and water convenient
in plenty. I got letters sent by Thom Page but
Tom has not got to us yet and I did not
get the ham and butter "powerful sorry"
I have had a little bowel disease but am now
all right. Got a good appetite and yes plenty to
eat of corn bread and bacon. The boys are all well.
Jimmy Lockhart is fat and a first rate -
soldier. Isaac Faulkenberry's health is good but these
20 mile marches make him tired It is rumored
about camps that we may go to Mobile shortly.
I am powerful "fraid" it aint so for rumor tells
a heap of lies.
I got sisters letter and read it with pleasure
and pain. Was pained at Fate's course and pleased to find
all well. Nick wouldn't write the long letter - well
never mind. I'll write him one some day any how I wrote
to Fate to day. I trust you have all been vaccinated if
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you have'nt please attend to it immediately. I
am going to be as soon as I can may be this
evening. There is small Pox about here in
plenty but they keep it guarded and do all they
can to prevent its spreading. The Government
has authorized the army surgeons to vaccinate
citizens free of charge. Fannie, please have all
our folks vaccinated right away
And Fannie, do not let Masiah come home until
all danger of communicating the disease is
past. She is fool enough to bring it among
us to see her children. I have got very little
to write this time and must necessarily make my
letter short. We occasionally hear the cannon of
our pickets and the yanks and may have
a fight soon but I hardly think we will
Please write and direct letters to me at Murfreesboro
Tennessee if you cannot send by hand
I must try and get buddy's sword and Arties
gun. Fraid I can't God bless you all.
G.W. Cherry
