Franklin County: John Hamer to Eveline Hamer,
October 29, 1863
Summary:
John talks about family and the rings he sent to his mother and sister. He also
talks about his reenlistment in the veterans' corps, his health, and his reasons
for not writing to girls anymore.
Eveline Hamer
Oct. 29th 1863
To Miss
Eveline Hamer
RomneyVa.
Dear Sister
I take the present opportunity to drop a few lines to you in answer to your much esteemed letter of the 21st inst. which came to hand a few days ago, - The very day of the date of my last to Mary Ann. Your letter was a verry pleasing one for it was well [deleted: began] begun, timely, and well finished, and better written than this by a long shot! You complain of bad pen, but if you can find a worse one than this I'll then give up.
I am much pleased to hear that your ring pleases you so well and suits the right finger, - I hope mother's will please her the same, and till this letter reach you, she maybe at home and enjoying it.
I am glad to know that you are getting toombstones for Samuel [unclear: to mark] the hero's resting place and think it sacred. Plant roses and sween scenting flowers on his toomb [deleted: as] for mementoes of him, Although he is with us nomore, we will still retain his rembrance.
You wondered how I'll [deleted: got] get my socks. I don't know. Better keep them till you get a good chance to send them. I don't [deleted: kneed] need [unclear: mittings ] I have my old ones yet.
You wonder why I don't write to M. E. Allison. [unclear: Do'nt ] write to girls anymore.
I don't expect to get [added: home] till I am mustered
out of service and you know that is a very long time. Then, if God spares my
life and health I will come home and stay awhile with you. If the war is not
over, [deleted: then] till that time I will go again. I will then go
in the vet
[page 3]
eran corps. Infact I would have
enlisted long- ago in the veteran corps but I knew if I would mother would
[unclear: scold]. Well as long as the war lasts I think that I
cannot get better employment than to fight the minions wickedness under the
command of Jeff Davis.
I have not been very well these last few days. I have a diarhea with slight headache but nevertheless I have done my share of picketing. hope to better tomorrow.
I must now thank Thomas for his little memento and then close for this time and get supper.
I forgot to tell you that I only got one letter from any girl since [deleted: ] [unclear: west] (Clara) and Mary E. Allison did not answer my last.
Hope this letter may find you all well. Remember me to father, mother, brothers and sisters.
I remain your affectionate brother
John Hamer
Answer soon. I'll try and have a better pen the next time I write Eveline Hamer
