1861 December 16 Richmond, Va

My dear Creek,

You do not know how I am longing
to hear from you I have been here since tuesday last and
have not got a letter from you yet, but I know there is
letters for me at the camp which has not been
forwarded to me and you have not had more than
time to send me one here since I wrote you.
I am getting quite stout again and will go back
to camp about the end of the week. I was very aggreeably[sic]
surprised to see William walk into my room a short
time since, he came from Camp Saturday but did
not find me out till now, he is almost well
but we got him advised to come here and stay
till he got clear of a very bad cold which he has
had some time he is now improving very fast
and will go back to camp when I do
I have just heard that old Dr Broyles is in town
As soon as I mail this I must hunt him up
and get all the news from him, it does us all so
much good to see any one from home

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I have been trying my hardest to get home and
spend christmas with you but I am very much
afraid I will be disapointed they always tell me
after awhile they will let me go and I am afraid
it will be the same thing till Christmas is over
but I will come home just as soon as I can get off,
Christmas or no Christmas.
If I can get Dr Broyles to cary a small box home for
me I will send some pretties for Maggies Christmas
by him. how I do wish I could bring them myself.
I believe if ever I get home I will never leave it again
I am getting so tired of staying away from you.
When I get to a place like this it makes me feel right
sad to see all of the people enjoying the company of
Wives and Families and mine so far off and as lonely
as myself, but this will not last always, their is a
bright side to every picture and we must try and look
at it. I will give you all the news of the city in my next
write one letter to me here, adress Capt W. Anderson, Richmond, Va
and I will get it at the office. Send all after that to Manassas
as usual. Kiss my little darling for me and say I will
soon be home to see her and Mama. Remember me to all
Your affectionate William.

William Anderson, Captain, Co. J, 4th Regiment South Carolina Volunteers (Palmetto Sharpshooters)

MSS 10366