Dec 29th 1863

(Near Culpepper, VA) 

My dear Aunt Melissa, 

As it is a rainy wet morning so that I cannot be out I will spend a few minutes in writing for I am very anxious to hear from you again and perhaps you too will be pleased to learn of my whereabouts once more.

I believe I wrote you where we were encamped in my last. We are still in the same place (Near Culpepper, VA) and are now permanently stationed here for the winter with orders to make ourselves as comfortable as possible and we have been pretty busy for the past week building log houses and banking them up with dirt on the sides to keep out the cold wind. Winter is now fully upon us although we have had no snow to speak of as yet.

I suppose Grandfather is with Aunt Lucy by this time and I hope he will enjoy the visit all that he anticipates for it has been a long time since he has seen her before. How delighted I would be to see them if only for a little while again but this cannot be at present so I must be content and remain here were all are needed so much. I am still in a great perplexity about reenlistment for greater inducements are being offered making me almost sure of a Lieutenants Commission and as I think it my duty to go again I can hardly resist the temptation and the only thing which has kept me back at all is my desire to cultivate my mind If I only had the Books and could study here why then it would be different.

Have you heard from my relatives in England again? The last that I received from them was in August and I have written twice since but have received no answer. I cannot imagine why they do not write. You probably have seen an account of Genl Grant's victories in Tennesee. This is encouraging and a new light seems breaking through the before dark and clouded horizon which instills new courage and vigor within every true patriot. A campaign will be begun in the spring which (with God to aid us) will soon crush down this most accursed Rebellion. I will leave you now hoping you will write me when convenient. Please give my love to Uncle Reuben and others who may be kind enough to enquire. May the choicest and purist of Gods blessings be ever showered upon you Dear Aunt is the sincere prayer of your humble Nephew 

Covell 

Letters of Alfred Covell Woods. 

Contributed by J. Tierney