Dear Wife,-

I am enjoying my winter quarters as if it were a new house of my own and the prospect is we may remain here some time. I have been doing duty on the Island for a few days, guarding prisoners. I am through with that work now and have been detailed to do guard duty every other day on the railroad. It is not hard duty. I do not march over the road. I see that the men under me do it. A squad of twelve men patrol the road for five miles and back. About the time the first squad would get to the end of their route another squad is sent out so the two would meet about two and one-half miles from where they started. As soon as the first comes in the third is ready to go out.

I have received a promotion to the 1st Lieutenancy of Company H. Several other officers have been promoted in our Regiment. Culver is our Captain. There have been no promotion to 2nd Lieutenant in our Company yet. Robert B. Beattie expects it. Geo. R. Hall is promoted to Captain of Company E. Captain O. S. Hall is very sick with little hopes of his recovery.

A large platform has been built to receive army supplies. Large quantities come to this station. These have to be guarded. Picket duty has to be done. All of us have enough work to do. We can get plenty to eat here. It costs me about $3.50 a week for board, and it is as good as can be expected in the army. A I shall write again soon. I send you a check of $300.00.