[14 January 1862]

National Battery

Chain Bridge

Jan 14th, 1862

My Dearest Aunt,

I am in receipt of your most valued letter dated the 4th which was duly received with great pleasure by me and which I will now try to answer. In the first place, I must thank you for your kind wishes and in return wish you a very happy New Year hoping you may blessed with good health as in former days and that we may all live to see our country once more prospering in Peace and in harmony. Truly it would be a season of rejoicing and praise if this could be brought about by the wisdom of our rulers without Bloodshed and the Slaughter of so many, many precious lives.

I was very much pleased to hear that you were all enjoying good health. I had heard of Lieut. Benidict's death and I think it a mournful accident. Truly his Wife and friends must feel very sad and I should think he would be missed from town very much.

Oh! how I wish that drunkeness might be abolished (in the Army especially) as it causes so much trouble. I never could relize before the awful effects that the use of Ardent Spirits can produce. I am a Non Commissioned Officer now (a Corporal) and I believe my sobriety was all that ever gained me this promotion. Why there is scarcly a day when it comes my turn to be Corporal of the Guard but I have to confine some one (through the Captain's orders) from being intoxicated or disobeying orders.

We are all well here with the exception of slight colds and there is hardly a man in the Company but what is able to do duty for which I feel very thankful for. lf any one is sick here they get very poor care and attention. How I wish I might be in Crown Point to go to School this winter but this cannot be and I will try and content myself with doing my duty thinking of home occassionally. I will try and write to Aunt Lucy tomorrow. I have neglected her which I should not have done.

Give my love to Thomas Raine, tell him I should like to hear a few words him.

Excuse Hurried writing and all mistakes. I have received several letters from Cousin Samuel. He is still at Norwich at work with his intentions to remain untill this war is over and l am ready to go west with him. And now, Dear Aunt, I must close for this time. Give my love to all remembering, much love and many kisses to the little Grand Son.

In Haste your Affectionate Nephew,

Alfred C Woods

Address as usual

I have just heard we attack the foe tomorrow

Letters of Alfred Covell Woods. 62^nd NYSV Co I Homepage