_Camp near Orange Court House, Va.,
January 3, 1864._
The cars ran off the track below Gordonsville yesterday, consequently
we have no mail to-day. You do not know how anxious I am to hear from
you. Your letters relieve the distress of my mind like a soothing
balm placed upon a painful wound. I am sure I could forget the loss
of our dearest earthly object much sooner if I could only be with
you; but time will blunt the keenest thorns of anguish. I shall walk
over and see your brother this evening if he does not come to see me
before then. He was quite well when I last saw him, and had been busy
repairing the roads.
The weather remains intensely cold, but the wind has abated somewhat
to-day. I think yesterday was the coldest day I ever experienced, and
it was made worse by the strong biting wind which blew incessantly.
It is most severe on the wagoners and others who are out and exposed
so much. When I saw the First South Carolina Regiment starting off on
picket yesterday morning in the bitter cold I felt for them, but they
seemed full of the life and vigor which the troops of Lee’s army always
display under the most trying circumstances.
I gave my old black coat to my brother. It fits him well and he is
very much pleased with it. He has been keeping a chicken and it is now
nearly grown, so we intend to have a big dinner soon, and will make a
pot of dumplings and also have stewed corn and Irish potatoes.
I have been living in the same tent with Dr. Tyler. We slept together
and were very comfortable, but I got a tent for myself yesterday and
will have a chimney built to it and be ready to move in by the time
he gets back. He and I are good friends and always get along very
agreeably together, but he is too fond of drinking and gambling to suit
me.
News is very scarce here now, and it would be difficult for me to write
you a longer letter.