Camp of the 140th Regt. N. Y. Vols.
Near Petersburg, Va.
February 4th 1865
Sister Alice,
Your very kind note of the 29th of last month duly arrived the other morning & which I now sit to reply to in haste, hoping his may find you all well as this leaves me at present.
I was very much grieved on learning that death had called away Uncle after the many trials and hardships he has undergone while a prisoner within the traitorous foe’s hands. It was more than pen could describe but death is certain & no one knows how soon he may be called to leave this world. On learning of the death of Judge Buell I could hardly believe it until some time had passed & when receiving official news my blood run cold through my veins.
I regret the loss of Ansel much [ ] as by myself & his loss is a blow to many of his friends. Yours—this was the first letter I have received from you in nearly 3 weeks, I had about made up my mind that you had forgotten me. But have great mistaken I was on receiving yours of the 25th.
The weather has been very pleasant for some time past & to all appearances looks as though it would continue for some time to come. I am in a hurry & you must excuse this brief note for this time & next will try and do better. I suppose you have had many a beautiful sleigh ride during the past winter days. But never mind if life & health permits me to return. I shall ere long be with you all & a happy greeting it will be.
You wished to be informed how Miss Martha E. S__ is getting along. I can only reply to that by informing you that she is making fast progress in the education line. She attends high school this winter. She is not to be beat now-a-days having teacher school in many instances the deaf & dumb longer. Her positive is society is of the best reputation. At some future time you may hear more interesting particulars about her.
No more at present. From your loving brother, — C. C. M.
P. S. I must acknowledge the receipt of the box which I received after some hard labor having to go 5 miles often said box. It was directed right with the exception of the State Volunteer which was omitted probably by mistake. All I have to say is that the box was dearly earned. Everything was preserved with the exception of a chicken in the pail which was entirely spoiled. I found the box at the 140th P. V. after I received a notice it had been there nearly three weeks. The dira is not worth much as I cannot [ ] any photograph in the picket & the paper is too thin.
— Chas. C. Miller
Some postage stamps would come handy.
Spared & Shared 21 