Franklin County: Samuel M. Potter to Cynthia Potter,
January 2, 1864
Summary:
Potter tells his wife about the improved living conditions in camp and reports on
the health of several soldiers.
Cynthia Potter
Jan 2nd 1864
Bealton Station Va.
Dear Wife
As you see by the heading I have arrived at the regiment safe and sound. My health is still improving. I wish Bell was improving as well. Write as soon as you get this & let me know how she is getting. I felt more uneasiness about her since leaving home than I did when there & am sorry that I did not do more for her, but still I hope she will get well to welcome me home again if my life is spared to get there. The Infantry here had built very nice quarters & were moved away, so when I got here I found the boys snugly fixed. The Doctor has a good stone fireplace & a slab or puncheon floor in his tent making it very comfortable. He has a bunk built up & covered with hay. I will tell you in the morning how good a bed it is.
I left the next morning after I got to fathers. Got in Washington City yesterday evening about six oclock. Got on the cars again this morning at nine & got here about two & a half. I gave Wm. Potter his boots. He has not called for his bundle yet. I will see George McDavid & him in the morning.
Jan. 3d Well I must tell you about the bed & I must tell you I had a good nights rest, warm & comfortable. Still it is not a feather bed. George McDavid is looking well this morning. His brother Dan was here while I was at home. Will Potter has his boots on & is very much pleased with them. Will Carrol is still stout with the exception of a slight diarrhoea. As a general thing the health is good here.
I got a letter from David that Elisa wrote before I arrived home. She says that David would be helped if he would be caught out in the draft all alone. The regiment is out at this time on a raid, the Doctor & sick & those who have not good horses remaining in camp. I wish you to write soon & let me know how Bell is getting. I would like so much to hear of her getting well.
Josey has not learned to play Yankee Doodle on his drum. Lucy & Bell will soon learn to read on their cards & they must take good care of them so that Jimmy can have the use of them. I must write to Dave soon. I have nothing more at present but remain
your most affectionate husband
S.M. Potter
