August 21, 1863

Fort Sumner Aug 21/63

Dear Sister

I was very gald to hear from you last night and to hear that you was well as usual. I am very sorry to hear that Mother is sick. I hope she will get well soon. I enjoy good health at present and the hot weather don�t affect me as bad as I expected it would. I would like to be down home for about ten or fifteen days. But I suppose I shall have to stay here two years first. To day is One year ago today we were mustered into United States services and so we have a holiday today. We are to have a Bug(?)

I saw the paper yesterday with the names of the Drafted in Hampden and they have not a single Copperhead in the lot.

I am going to Washington next Saturday and I am going to see about Enlisting with the Regular Army or some Cavalry Regt. I am sick of staying here. It is one thing over and over again. I like more excitement. If you try you can get me Transferred into Bikers(?) Regt. When I go to Washington if he will Enlist me I join (sic) his Regt and leave this one. Othe rmen get transferred and I don�t see why I should not be. It be the best change that I can get out here (sic).

If I stay here I should have a cent of money when I get home.

Aug 18^th I have just come off picket duty. I have had a first rate time. We got as mcuh Corn and as many Peaches as we could eat. This County is full of Fruit.

Last night was a pretty cold one and for this time of the year and when one wants a woolen blanket to keep warm. By the way if the [illegible] the [illegible] this year pay it and I will pay it to you [illegible] any [illegible] dont kill R[illegible] as I expect [illegible] some good times going gaming with him yet(?). I hope if [illegible] R[illegible] and Daniel Hardy are Drafted and will have to com out here. I hope that they will draft again in Hampden and [illegible] [illegible] able Bodied [illegible]

I don�t have to go to Washington but I go down once in a while to see the Public Buildings. You must write again soon. Give my love to all, From your brother, Amos