Camp Hutchins, Ohio
December 21st, 1861

Dear Mother,
It is with pleasure that I sit down to write to thee. I believe it is the first time in my life. I am well and hope that you are all well at home. I have not even a cold and the rest of the boys that come serving, except some of them have colds. The boys are all on drill except D. Ellett and B. Brooks and they are writing letters.

Mother, I am sorry things have turned out as they have. But it cannot be helped now. It was my intention to come home with Joseph. But he will tell you why I did not. But thee must forgive me this time. But I did want to go or I would never have enlisted. But I will refer thee to that verse in print and I want to go till those words come true. But Mother, I will leave the subject.

Tell Martha and Lizza to make that shirt and gather up my things. Remember my suspenders. And buy me a pair of drawers and make them and I will pay them when I come home. The way I come to write today, I was on guard last night and I do not have drill today. And I thought I would write today and then I could go to meeting tomorrow. Tell Elwood that I want him to come up here as soon as he can. Dinner has been called and I will close.

Give my love to all that inquire after me. Direct your letters to
Camp Hutchings
Trumble Co. O
In care of Captain Bartlett