[page 1]
Camp 45th Ala Regt Missionary Ridge
Novr 3rd 1863
Dear "Folks at home"
I was considerably -
relieved by the receipt of your letter
yesterday, and do hope that the worst
is past by. You may all be still mis-
taken in the disease thought to be small-
pox. I have only to say that if you or
any of you should take it do not be
scared for it is not more fatal
than measles, in fact hardly so fatal and
if proper care be taken you need not
be alarmed as to the result.
I applied for furlough and failed. I
then went to army Hdqr twice
and failed both times. I have now sent
my application up again and do not
yet know the result. – another failure
I expect. I intend to try until I
succeed for I must come home
if possible Our fare is a little
more plentiful than it has been
[in the margin:] You need
not send
me any
woolen -
drawers
I have 3
pair of
pretty good
ones. I
need my
overcoat
and some
socks cotton
will do
God bless
our little
children
Please keep
me posted
up as I
shall be
uneasy until
the Small
Pox excitement
subsides
[page 2]
but very hard. Beef and bread is all
we get. There is no Bacon at all issued
to the army now. I do so badly want
some butter syrup and such other riches[?]
of old times. I suppose they will -
eventually go out of fashion entirely
I am afraid you have invested too
much money and will not have enough to keep you up in provisions. I have
about $200.00 or $250.00 I can spare
and will send it to you the first safe
chance. It costs me something to
live now, much more than it did
some time back. Mr Dennis is
now at home on furlough for 15
days when he comes back I expect
you could get him to bring some
thing for me. I was on picket when he left or I should have sent
a letter by him. Em – I am much obliged for your letter please continue
to write them or keep a journal and
send me copies occasionally Give my love to
[in the margin:] Ma & Sister, and all relations and friends - May God bless you all, G.W. Cherry
I have heard that Dowdells Regt is up here
some where, but have not learned any thing
definite about it I hope I shall see Nick before long
