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Franklin County: Alvin H. Alexander to Sallie, September 23, 1863

Summary:
Alexander describes to his sister the slow mail pick-up in camp and talks about visiting her in Callensburg. He also mentions the need for more soldiers.


Sallie

Sept. 23rd 1863

Head Quarters Port Williams
Plymouth N.C.

My Dear Sister Sallie

Your letter of the 3rd inst was received last week, and I was very glad to hear from you for I had not had a letter from you for some time. I would have writen Sooner if I could have Sent it. The mail has not gone from here for the last week. I thought I would write this and have it ready when it does go. I suppose

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you have arrived Safe in old Callensburg. You will be quite a Stranger there after being away so long. And no doubt you will be very lonesome for a while. It must be very quiet about the old Town; I would like very much to pay you a visit this fall. But I dont know wheather I will or not. It is pretty hard to get away, and we can only get from twenty to twenty-five days leave and that is a short time to go so far. I would only have a few days to stay at home. It is now over a year since I saw you all at home. And it seems like a long time. But I hope that this cruel war will

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soon be over (not that I am tired of fighting for the Cause in which we are Engaged) so that we may be able to return to our homes and Enjoy peace and happiness once more. I suppose the young gents that just returned from the War have been telling you of the many thrilling adventures and hairbreath escapes which they have made. I suppose there was quite an Excitement about the time the Draft was made? No doubt there was a great many very uneasy. We have one consolation. They cant draft us. Col Maxwell returned last week but dident bring any men with him. We will not act any until the next draft. They are filling the Army of the Potomac first. Tell

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Father that I am looking for a letter from him. I suppose Mother is busy putting up Tomatoes. give her a kiss for me. I believe I have nothing more to communicate this time. Much love to Father, Mother, Grandmother, Uncle, Aunt & reserve a good portion for you Self. Write Soon & often good by.

Your affectionate Brother

Alvy



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