February 9, 1863

In Camp near Falmouth

Feb[ruary] 9th 1863

Dear Wife:

I again take the opportunity of writing to you a few lines to let you know that I am well. Hoping these few lines will find you enjoying good health as it leaves me at present. Your letter of date Feb[ruary] 1th I have just received Feb[ruary] 8th and was very happy to hear that you and the children were all well, but sorry to hear that Bill was dead.

But it cannot help it. That is nothing. Here is thousands of horses laying dead here.

You wanted to know if I had got the letter with the $3 dollars. I have not, but I have just wrote to Washington for it. I don’t know whether I will get it or not. I will try and see.

You wanted to know what was best for you to do with the farm. I can give you my opinion about it. That is this. It will be better for you to rent it or sell it if you can get a good chance and try and do the best you can with it. I will leave it all with you and the old man.

I have not got any letter from the old man. I have nothing more to say about it. Every man has enough to do [to] look out for his own self here.

I am very glad you got the money. We had ought to get four months pay before long again.

You may tell Lute if he don’t be a good boy he will catch it when I come home, as I may get a furlough for 10 – 15 days. I would if there was not so many of the old soldiers. I don’t know but I will yet, but [I] don’t know when. You need not put no dependence in it as I fear not.

Has Martin Crossett been to see you? I wish you would go and see him and ask him if he got my blanket at the hospital that morning when he got shot, as some of the boys told me there was a certain person was seen giving it to him. If he has not got it, [it] is gone for good.

You can tell Mrs. Edwards I don’t know about her eating all the Plum Pudding alone or not; if I get a furlough she may or may not.

My best love to her and all my inquiring friends and children. Tell Agnes and David to wait and I will send them something some of these fine days.

Tell [my brother] Bob Bryden that I have written to him but he has not answered my letter as yet. So I shan’t write ‘til he does to me.

My love to you shall always be true,

From your affectionate husband,

John Bryden

Please to write soon and you will much oblige.

Yours,

JB

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