1861 May 12 [Harper's Ferry]

A continuation of the letter from May 11

Dear Pa, Sunday morning May 12
I’ll try to finish my letter this morning,
as I’ve nothing to do yet. It is a very fine morning,
is right warm. We will not have any preaching in
our quarters to day, but I expect to ^’go’ somewhere to
preaching if I can, will go to the Catholic church, if
I can’t do any better. I would like very much to be
with you all at home to day, I dislike to have to
work on Sunday, but am compelled to do it, I think
though, a good deal more work could be dispensed with.

[page 3]
I think we could do very well without drilling today.
We have one of the Cadets for our drill master, our Co.
has improved very much but we have some two or
three that will never learn anything, I’m afraid.
I heard that Henry Francisco was entirely well when he
got home, if you had seen him here before he started,
you wd [would] have thought that he was n’t able to go home,
as he was suffering so very much with “Inflamitary
Rheumatism”, I think that he & several others there
ought to be arrested & brought back, if I had my
way they would be. I’m very much surprised at
Chas. Jones. We have another man trying to get off
with Henry’s complaint, but I do n’t think he’ll
succeed, he may take Haslup’s plan for it. I know
there is not a one here, that would like to go home
better than myself, but if I can n’t come honorably,
I will not come at all, & I know you w’d. not have me
to do otherwise. If things are ever settled get more qui^’e’t,
we may been able to come home for a little time. We
are now regularly enlisted for the service, as long as
four years if necessary. W v’e all reported our ages, & are
to report our occupations, I’ll hardly know what to
to report, as I had^’v’n’t been doing anything for sometime,
but reckon I will have to report myself a student at
the Louisa Male Academy, or a “Gentleman Loafer”.
Henry Chiles is on duty to day, I was sorry he was
put on, to he does n’t have to stand guard himself, as he
is Cor. but has to post the sentinels or (part of them). I am
very glad to have Henry here with me, I think a great
deal of him, tell Miss Isy she must not be uneasy
about him, I will take care of him, he is very well
& is getting on finely, he intended writing to her to day
but will not have time. Doc. Bibb is getting along

[page 4]
finely, he had a pain in his face last night, but is
well this morning I believe. Mr. Trennon was very right
much complaining a day or two ago, but is very well now,
none of our men are on the sick list now.
I will send all the clothes home that I do n’t need, by
the first opportunity. I like the colored shirts very much,
have one of them on now. I have n’t left off any of
my flannel, except one shirt, you know I had on two,
I’ve put on one of the bandages you sent me. I’ll be
very particular about leaving off my flannel. I find
the knapsack to be very useful, I’ve put my things in it.
Mr. Bickers, Jesse Porter, Marcelus Beadles & myself went
begging for straw yesterday evening & succeeded in getting
our ticks well filled with nice straw, it is a great
improvement to our sleeping, I did nt wake atall
last night, untill this morning I was awaked by the drum.
Just now a bea^’u’tiful boquet was with a small secession
flag was sent in by a young lady, for those who were
singing last n^’i’ght, I was amongst them, Marcelus, &
Mason leading, we sing every night nea^’r’ly.
My sheet is about out, so I must close. My best love
to Mrs Thompson & Tally & thank them very much for
the cakes sent me, best love to all of my friends & the
dear ones at home. Mr B’s cough is a goodeal better,
I will write to Cousine Julia if I have time. Joe is
well. You all must write as often as you can.
I will be happy to see you over next week, will have
you a good bed ready. Tell Sister Page to write to me.
Yr devoted & most Aff son
P. Edloe. Jones
Harpers Ferry
Maj. J. Wm. Jones
Louisa CH
Va