Franklin County: Franklin Rosenbery to John Abraham
Rosenbery (father), November, 1863
Summary:
Rosenbery discusses his salary and his prospects for a furlough. He also delivers
advice for those at home and, as in earlier letters, professes his faith in God.
He also mentions the weather.
November 1863
Dear Father:
I would like to know if my tools are at home and further as I have not written to John Markey since I am out whether it would suite you to pay him some money as he may be getting uneasy but if you cannot handy do it-why, it is right. I promised that as soon as I got my bounty I would send him some money but I have not got my bounty yet nor can not tell whether ever I will get any bounty or not.
I expect that I will soon be paide off again then I will send you what I can spare.
I would like to have that watch as soon as possivle and a key for it.
If you know where Abraham and Ashway is you can tell them that our Regiment lays about 4 miles south of the camp where they came to see me, as soon as I can find them I will go and see them.-That is if I get the chance for we have a great deal of picket duty to do and for me to get home is impossible. Our old men will hardly get home. The new men is not entitled to a furlough till next winter.
But I trust that we will all get home before that time--not my will but thine, O Lord, be done.
I would thik it would be better if there would be a house keeper at home. It does not suite me to be at home but I think it would suite the family-to be at home to keep house and take care of things. It does not look well to see a house and nobody in it.
I have a great deal to talk about but I have a poor way to tell it so I will not say much.
Now, I will say that if Brother John is going to school tell him that when he can use a desk to write on like mine then he can play soldier. I lay my knapsack on the ground and then I set on it. Take my in plate-lay it on my knee with the bottom side up and then I write on it.
No wonder if my letter is dirty and greasy and witten miserable poor but this is a soldier style.
I must close for the present. It rained all last night. It is now clearing off-only our camp is very windy.
I wrote John A. Horn 2 letters. I am anxious to know if he got them.
No more but give my resp.. to all enquiring friends. You will soon hear from me again.
Yours Truly,
Franklin Rosenbery
