Camp of the 140th Regt. N. Y. V.
Near Petersburg, Va.
October 19th 1864
Dear Sister,
I have taken my pen in hand once more to inform you I am well & in fine spirits with the exception of one thing—viz: I have not had the pleasure of receiving even one word in nearly two weeks. Yes, not since the 23rd of last month & that is a very long time to remain silent by not writing me. If you only knew how much pleasure one derives from reading a letter which comes from home, I am sure you would not be so negligent (if I must speak so, by not writing me here. I have night after night of late set up & waited patiently to see if I was not one among the lucky ones to receive a letter from you. When I speak of you, I mean all of them at home. If it because you cannot find. time to write, I wouldn’t [ Â ] to fold my hands up & not for the pen & holder itself to get into position & commence writing if you imply wait for me to write first or even think I can find time to write at any time you are just as much mistaken as though you had burnt your sheet. In fact this is the last time I will address you until I hear from some of you. What is the use of me writing if one does not pay attention enough to reply inside of a month at the shortest period of time. I guess I am a getting a little too headstrong & had better cut my freshness a little shorter or rather some too blunt.
I have one request to ask of you. Please write often, let the circumstance be what they may–especially now there is so much sickness [spreading] over your part of the country.
Everything has been quiet today with the exception of the usual picket firing. We have just had brigade inspection. The regiment has been voting for the past few days & I have sent mine home for father to put into the ballot box.
Adieu. Please write soon. Your affectionate brother, — Charles Miller
Spared & Shared 21 