1862 January 1 Fort Gaines, Geo

My Dear Wife
Since my arrival
here I have had a pretty good time
drilling Hunting & playing ball – The
most of the company are absent on
furlough but will return in a few
days - . Tom Sylvester Jim Buford
and myself went hunting yesterday
evening but did not kill any ducks.
I think I shall make arrange-
ments for you to come down
here and stay awhile unless
we are removved [removed] from this point.
Mess No 1 which is our Miss fare
verry nice but our expenses will
over balance our pay very consider-
ably – Buford and myself made
a Bed stead to sleep on yesterday.
Which I find a great improvement
on sleeping on the floor. I hope
Callaway has sold Henrietta –
I will probably go home in a
week or two – Kiss all the children
for me – Your affectionate Husband
Write to me by first opportunity W. H. Locke

[Written on the back of this sheet]
I sent by Alex P. Crawford
two little promisses for
Ella & Lulu –
W. H. L.

MSS 13485

William H. Locke, member of the Eufala Minute Men, and Co. C. 4th Battalion, Alabama Cavalry; afterwards a dry goods merchant in Eufala, Ala.