Dear Wife,-

I wrote to you yesterday but have some time to myself today and I do not know as I can use it in a better way than writing to you. I cannot sit in a chair at a desk and write, as I do not have either, but must spread my blanket on the ground in my tent for a seat and take a piece of cracker box on my knee for a desk. This is not a very comfortable way to write but will answer. I do not complain of these inconveniences as I know that the Government does the best it can, and I wonder that we get as much as we do. I should thank God that I have fared so well, that I am in health and have good officers to look after us, and that our food is as good as it is and that we have plenty. I have drawn another overcoat in place of the one stolen from my knapsack. I have got along very well as one of the men lent me one until now. I only wanted it at night to spread over me as we have but one blanket each. I received your letter of the 11th last night and it makes me feel that I should like to step in and see you and Ella today. I presume that you will be at Church unless it is stormy. What a blessing it is that we have it so much warmer here. I do not believe we could stand such cold weather as you are having, exposed as we are. He who governs all things tempers the wind to the shorn lamb. To put our whole trust in Him is our duty. To do his bidding is the wish of